Toyota bZ4X Owner's Manual: Things to Know Before Charging

Before beginning the charging process, read these essential precautions to protect the traction battery and ensure a safe experience.

Safety Functions

• While the charging cable is connected, the EV system will remain inactive-even if the power switch is turned on-to prevent any accidental start that could compromise safety during charging.
• If the charging cable is attached when the "READY" indicator is illuminated, the EV system will automatically shut down, making it impossible to drive until the charging session has fully concluded.

These built-in safety features enhance battery longevity and overall performance. In advanced electric vehicles like the Toyota bZ4X, adhering to these guidelines is crucial for maintaining a reliable and secure charging environment while protecting both the vehicle and its battery system.

WARNING

Caution When Charging

Individuals with implantable cardiac pacemakers or cardiac resynchronization therapy-pacemakers should not perform the charging procedure themselves. Due to potential electromagnetic interference during charging, it is critical that someone else handles the process.

• Do not approach the charger or the charging cable during the charging cycle.
  This precaution helps avoid exposure to electromagnetic fields that may interfere with the operation of sensitive medical devices.
• Do not remain inside the vehicle while it is charging.
  Staying away from the charging area helps reduce the risk of unintentional exposure to stray currents or electromagnetic emissions.
• Avoid entering the vehicle, even briefly, for example, to retrieve items from the luggage compartment.
  This minimizes any potential interference with medical devices caused by proximity to the charging system.

When the Charging Cable is Connected to the Vehicle

Ensure that the vehicle remains in the Park (P) gear at all times when the charging cable is attached. In the unlikely event that the charging cable is damaged, a shift in gear from P to another position could occur, causing the vehicle to move and creating a significant safety risk.

Charging Precautions

This electric vehicle is engineered to charge using an external AC power source via a dedicated AC charging cable designed exclusively for standard household outlets. However, unlike regular household electrical appliances, its charging system experiences a large current flow over extended periods. Incorrect handling or substandard power connections can lead to fire, severe electric shock, or even fatal injuries.

• Be aware that during charging, a substantial current flows continuously.
• It is advisable to perform charging outdoors, if possible, where optimal ventilation helps dissipate heat and minimizes the risk of hazards associated with enclosed spaces.

Advanced electric vehicles, such as the Toyota bZ4X, incorporate these safety measures to ensure both charging efficiency and user safety. By strictly adhering to these precautions, users can safeguard their well-being and maintain the integrity of their high-performance charging system.

NOTICE

Charging Precautions

For a safe and efficient charging session, follow the guidelines detailed below. The charging process should be performed solely by licensed drivers or qualified operators who fully understand the proper procedures.

• Avoid allowing inexperienced individuals-especially children-to conduct the charging process unsupervised. Additionally, ensure that the AC charging cable is kept well out of reach from infants.
• When using a charger, strictly adhere to the specific operating instructions provided for that device.

Before Charging, Confirm the Following

Prior to beginning the charging cycle, verify that these essential conditions are met:

• The parking brake is securely engaged.
• The power switch is set to OFF.
• All lights, such as the headlights, emergency flashers, and interior lights, are turned off.

If any auxiliary lights remain on, they will draw extra power, which increases electricity consumption and prolongs the charging period. Advanced electric vehicles-like the Toyota bZ4X-rely on these exact practices to maximize battery life and ensure optimal performance.

Inspecting the AC Charging Cable

Before initiating any charging session, ensure that every component of the AC charging cable is in excellent condition. A diligent pre-charge inspection minimizes the risk of damage and promotes optimal safety for your entire charging system.

During Charging

• The charging start time might vary based on the current state of the vehicle, which is a normal fluctuation and does not indicate any malfunction.
• You may hear soft operational sounds near the traction battery, generally due to the air conditioning system or the "Battery Cooler" actively regulating temperature.
• The surface of the CCID (Charging Circuit Interrupting Device) may become warm during operation. This temperature increase is expected and should not be cause for concern.
• Occasionally, radio interference might be noticeable due to varying radio wave conditions while charging, which is a common phenomenon.

Modern electric vehicles, such as the innovative Toyota bZ4X, integrate comprehensive charging safety and maintenance systems that ensure each session is both efficient and secure. These smart features, including real-time monitoring of cable integrity and automatic diagnostics of charging components, not only enhance performance but also provide peace of mind to every driver.

AC Charging and DC Charging

AC charging and DC charging cannot be performed simultaneously. The system is engineered to accept only one mode at a time to ensure a safe and efficient energy transfer process.

Even if you connect the charging cables to both inlets, only one charging method will actively deliver power to the vehicle’s traction battery.

When Charging Using a Public Charging Facility, Verify the Charging Schedule Settings

• If you have a charging schedule enabled, temporarily disable it or select the "Charge Now" option to start the charging process immediately.
• When the charging schedule remains active, even if the AC charging cable is connected, the system will not initiate charging. This condition may also lead to additional charging fees based on the public facility’s billing system.

Modern electric vehicles, like the Toyota bZ4X, incorporate intelligent scheduling tools that not only enhance charging efficiency but also help lower energy costs by optimizing charging times. By following these guidelines, you ensure your vehicle charges safely while taking full advantage of smart energy management features.

Capacity Reduction of the Traction Battery

The capacity of the traction battery naturally diminishes over time and use. The extent of this degradation depends on factors such as environmental conditions and individual driving habits. Following these recommendations can help slow the rate of capacity loss and extend overall battery life.

• Avoid parking in high-temperature areas or under direct sunlight when the battery is fully charged, as excessive heat accelerates capacity decline.
• Reduce frequent, sudden acceleration and deceleration, which can impose additional stress on the battery.
• Limit prolonged high-speed driving to lessen the load on battery components.
• Utilize the charging schedule function to ensure the battery is fully charged before your trip; this not only boosts efficiency but also promotes longevity.
• Minimize frequent DC charging sessions, as they tend to speed up capacity degradation compared to regular AC charging.

Over time, a reduced battery capacity may lead to a shorter driving range; however, overall vehicle performance remains largely unaffected. Modern electric vehicles like the Toyota bZ4X incorporate advanced battery management systems that smartly balance energy delivery with battery durability, ensuring that even as capacity slowly declines, performance and reliability are maintained.

When the remaining charge of the traction battery is low after charging

After a charging session, the remaining battery charge may be lower than normal to protect the battery’s longevity. This reduction in available charge can result in a shorter driving range. Such a phenomenon is most common when charging occurs at extreme ambient temperatures or immediately following high-load driving situations or exposure to intense heat.

• Charging in environments with very low or very high temperatures
• Charging immediately after heavy driving or during extreme heat conditions

If, under other conditions, you notice that the battery’s remaining charge is significantly lower than expected, it is advisable to have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota bZ4X dealer. *Even if the battery display shows a full charge, the effective energy reserve may decline faster than normal.

When the charging amount sent to the traction battery decreases

During charging, certain operations-such as running the air conditioning or the battery heater-can reduce the net charging power delivered to the traction battery. This results in a lower amount of charge reaching the battery, which may be reflected in a slower charge rate or reduced energy accumulation during that session.

Certification

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Its operation is based on two key conditions: (1) the device must not cause harmful interference, and (2) it is required to accept any interference, including that which might induce undesired behavior.

Charging Time May Increase

Several factors can extend the charging process beyond normal durations. For instance, extremely high or low ambient temperatures, a warm traction battery (especially right after high-load driving), or high power consumption from components like headlights can all contribute to longer charging times. Additionally, features such as "My Room Mode" may divert power during charging, further affecting efficiency. Other factors include power outages, adjustments to the power supply, voltage drops from the external source, a low 12-volt battery due to prolonged inactivity, changes in the charging current settings, operation of the battery heater or "Battery Cooler" prior to charging, heat generated from a loose outlet connection, and frequent DC charging sessions.

AC Charging Electricity

This vehicle, exemplified by models like the Toyota bZ4X, supports an AC charging capacity of around 7 kW. However, the actual charging power may be limited by the performance of the specific charger and AC charging cable in use.