The Toyota bZ4X is already among the least-expensive ways to get into a new car under warranty in parts of the country. And that’s assuming you have to pay to power it. In New York City, you no longer do.
Toyota and charging network provider Revel have announced an astounding deal for select drivers of the bZ4X and Lexus RZ – “complimentary access to Revel’s DC fast charging network in New York City for approximately three years through October 14, 2027.”
About the bZ4X
The awkwardly named bZ4X is Toyota’s first mainstream electric vehicle (EV), though the brand plans many more. It’s a compact SUV, though not one you’d want to take off-roading. Our editors like its roomy cabin and that famous Toyota build quality. But even the longest-range version gets just 252 miles between charges, and it charges slowly compared to most current EVs.
Sales of the bZ4X have been slow by Toyota standards. Toyota has responded with, at times, shocking lease deals to try to entice shoppers. In the spring, the company offered leases as low as $119 per month in parts of the country. Yes, you could have a car for not much more than the monthly cost of a Hulu streaming bundle with live TV.
About the RZ
These days, there’s a Lexus equivalent for nearly every Toyota product except the trucks. Unsurprisingly, Lexus makes its own luxury EV on the bZ4X platform — the Lexus RZ SUV.
Our editors love its serene ride (thanks to a sophisticated new form of shock absorber) and soft surfaces. But it boasts range only slightly longer (up to 266 miles) and the same slow charging problem.
EVs Make Sense in Cities
Limited range and slow charging times are problems for suburban drivers. If you can travel more than 250 miles in a day inside New York City, though, we’d like to hear how. The cars make sense in an urban setting.
EVs drain their batteries incredibly slowly while sitting in traffic. A gas-powered car must run its entire engine to idle in a traffic jam. It burns nearly as much gas sitting still as it does driving slowly. An EV, however, can reduce its battery usage to a trickle when all it’s doing is keeping the cabin comfortable and the entertainment on. Some can last days in that state.
And, since most drivers do most of their charging at home, drivers who rarely get far from home have little need for public charging.
About the Offer
When they do need it, though, Toyota’s new offer makes it free. For three years.
Revel says it “operates the largest network of public fast charging stations in New York City.” It has 64 fast-charging stalls spread across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. It plans 300 stalls in the next year.
Under the terms of this deal, Toyota and Lexus EV drivers can use Revel chargers up to twice a day for free until Oct. 14, 2027.
There are no charging caps — if they have time, they can fill their batteries to 100% at each session.
Toyota can make the offer because it is a part-owner of Revel, having invested in the network in 2019.
The deal makes sense for a limited number of people. Not many New York City residents even want to own a car. But, for those who do, a low lease payment and no fueling costs make the prospect more affordable than ever.
