A conversation with Toyota EV Chief Engineer Masaya Uchiyama
About this episode
Masaya Uchiyama, Toyota's EV Chief Engineer, discusses the evolution of Toyota's electric vehicle platform, starting with the BZ4X and expanding to new models like the CHR and Woodland. He highlights improvements based on customer feedback, including enhanced battery performance, charging speed, and off-road capabilities. Uchiyama also addresses the tuning differences for the Woodland model, which is designed for a more adventurous lifestyle, and touches on the future of one-pedal driving systems. The conversation reflects Toyota's commitment to adapting to market demands while maintaining safety and driver engagement.
While we were in Ojai California last week to drive the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland and C-HR, friend of the show Tanya Gazdik and Sam sat down for a chat with chief engineer Masaya Uchiyama.
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Toyota bZ4X
"...variations on this platform that started with the BZ4X now, BZ. [SPEAKER_03]: So let's start up with a l..."
The Toyota bZ4X is a new electric car that doesn't use gas, which means it's better for the environment. It's designed to be a practical and stylish SUV, making it a good choice for families or anyone who needs extra space.
The Toyota bZ4X is an all-electric SUV that represents Toyota's commitment to sustainable mobility. It is part of the bZ (Beyond Zero) series, which aims to offer zero-emission vehicles while maintaining the brand's reputation for reliability and innovation.
Toyota Chr
"...: But, okay. [SPEAKER_03]: All right, so with the CHR and the woodland, you have two new variations on ..."
The Toyota C-HR is a small SUV that looks different from other cars, making it stand out. It's great for city driving because it's easy to park and has a comfortable interior for passengers.
The Toyota C-HR is a compact crossover SUV known for its distinctive design and agile handling. It appeals to urban drivers looking for a stylish vehicle that offers versatility and efficiency.
infotainment
"...we had a lot of voice from the market like range and charging speed and some infotainment or the kind of things..."
Infotainment is the system in cars that provides entertainment, like music and navigation. It helps drivers stay connected and informed while driving.
Infotainment refers to the integrated system that combines entertainment and information delivery in vehicles, including audio, navigation, and connectivity features.
battery EV
"...we decided to have a better battery EV kind of this way. And then to do that, we include Bacchi, we have a bigger Bacchi right now..."
Battery electric vehicles are cars that run only on electricity and don’t use gasoline at all. They are better for the environment because they don’t produce exhaust fumes.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are powered entirely by electricity stored in batteries, as opposed to traditional vehicles that use internal combustion engines. They offer benefits like lower emissions and reduced operating costs.
understeer
"...which is the almost the understeer control, I say. So that makes you easy to drive on the..."
Understeer is when a car doesn't turn as much as the driver wants it to. This can happen if the front tires lose grip, making it harder to steer.
Understeer occurs when a vehicle turns less than the driver intends, often due to the front tires losing grip. This can be particularly problematic in high-speed cornering.
torque vectoring
"...using that information to adjust the torque amount between the front and rear, it which is the almost the understeer control, I say. So that makes you easy to drive on the..."
Torque vectoring helps control how much power goes to each wheel of a car. This makes it easier to drive, especially when turning or driving on rough surfaces.
Torque vectoring is a technology that allows for the distribution of power to individual wheels based on traction needs. This helps improve handling and stability, especially during cornering or off-road driving.
X Mode
"...is that part of X mode? Not that that's not part of that as well, it is in the petty's assitals that I export."
X Mode is a special setting in some cars that helps them drive better on rough or slippery surfaces. It makes it easier to handle tough conditions like snow or mud.
X Mode is a driving mode found in some vehicles that enhances off-road capability by optimizing traction and stability control systems. It is designed for challenging terrains like snow, mud, or steep inclines.
torque delivery
"...are you using the front are using the rear more of the Toot and dialing back the front motor output and biasing the torque delivery towards the rear axle motor fan."
Torque delivery is how the engine's power is sent to the wheels. Sometimes, it can be set to send more power to the front wheels or the back wheels, which helps the car handle better in different situations.
Torque delivery refers to how power is distributed to the wheels of a vehicle, which can affect handling and performance. In all-wheel drive systems, this can be adjusted to favor either the front or rear wheels depending on driving conditions.
all-terrain tires
"...even on the altering tires. Um, so, uh, and another thing we mentioned..."
All-terrain tires are special tires that can handle different types of surfaces, like dirt, mud, and pavement. They have a unique design that helps them grip well no matter where you're driving.
All-terrain tires are designed to perform well on a variety of surfaces, including both paved roads and off-road conditions. They typically have a more aggressive tread pattern than standard tires to provide better traction on rough terrain.
ground clearance
"...it's got slightly more ground clerks than the base BZ, and that, uh, I take it as, just due to the, the tire size..."
Ground clearance is how high the bottom of a car is from the ground. Higher ground clearance helps a car drive over bumps and rough surfaces without getting stuck or damaged.
Ground clearance is the distance between the ground and the lowest point of a vehicle's body. It affects how well a vehicle can navigate rough terrain and impacts handling and stability.
Toyota BZ
"You've got the same interior upgrades that you did to the BZ last year, which is great."
The Toyota BZ is an electric car from Toyota. It's designed to be eco-friendly and is part of their effort to make more electric vehicles.
The Toyota BZ is part of Toyota's electric vehicle lineup, focusing on sustainability and advanced technology. It represents Toyota's commitment to expanding its electric vehicle offerings.
Toyota RAV4
"...e newer system that just recently launched on the RAV4? [SPEAKER_03]: Are you reading platform based all..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular family car that has a lot of space for people and their stuff. It's known for being dependable and safe, making it a great choice for everyday use.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has been a best-seller for many years, known for its reliability, spacious interior, and strong resale value. It often features advanced safety technology and is popular among families and outdoor enthusiasts.
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