S7E10 | Why Toyota Accelerating its EV Strategy now? What Do They Know That Others Don’t?
About this episode
Toyota is ramping up its electric vehicle (EV) strategy with the introduction of the 2026 BZ Woodland and CHR models. Guests Chad Morse and Thomas Sunday discuss the advancements in range, performance, and charging capabilities, emphasizing Toyota's multi-pathway approach to meet diverse consumer needs. The BZ Woodland is designed for adventure with enhanced towing capacity and off-road capabilities. The episode also addresses common consumer concerns about EVs, such as range anxiety and charging options, highlighting the benefits of electric powertrains.
In this episode, we’re on location in Ojai, where Toyota unveiled its expanding electric vehicle roadmap. We get a first look at the upcoming 2027 Highlander EV, then hit the road to test-drive two key models shaping Toyota’s EV push: the 2026 bZ Woodland, an off-road–focused evolution of the original bZ, and the 2026 C-HR, which returns to the U.S. market as a fully electric compact SUV.
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horsepower
"...where artificial intelligence meets horsepower."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time.
Toyota BC4X
"...let's start with the BC because this car used to be called BC4X, right, and a lot of people were like oh what's that..."
The Toyota BC4X is a car model that was renamed to BC for the 2026 version. It has better features and can travel further on a single charge.
The Toyota BC4X is a model that underwent a name change to simply 'BC' for the 2026 model year. This vehicle is noted for its improvements in range and performance.
Toyota Prius
"...ogies since 1997 I think in Japan first with the Prius, but I mean these cars, I mean you've been produc..."
The Toyota Prius is a car that uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor to save fuel and reduce pollution. It was one of the first cars to be designed specifically to be environmentally friendly, and many people talk about it because it helps save money on gas and is better for the planet.
The Toyota Prius is a pioneering hybrid vehicle that debuted in Japan in 1997, becoming one of the first mass-produced cars to use a hybrid powertrain. Its significance lies in its role in popularizing fuel-efficient vehicles and reducing emissions, making it a symbol of eco-friendly driving. The Prius is often discussed in the context of environmental impact and advancements in automotive technology.
towing capacity
"it has 3500 pound towing capacity, really the Woodland represents a model that has..."
Towing capacity is how much weight a car can pull behind it. If you want to tow something heavy, like a trailer, you need to know this number.
Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow. This is an important specification for those who need to haul trailers, boats, or other heavy loads.
battery electric vehicle
"it's our battery electric vehicle that, you know, with the additional cargo, more..."
A battery electric vehicle is a car that runs only on electricity, not gas. It uses batteries to power the motor, which makes it better for the environment.
A battery electric vehicle (BEV) is a type of electric vehicle that runs entirely on electricity stored in batteries, without any internal combustion engine. This makes them more environmentally friendly and often cheaper to operate than traditional vehicles.
all-wheel drive
"...standard all-wheel drive with what we call X mode, which is really helpful in traction control situations, just provides the additional capability and versatility for someone looking, you know, maybe to get out of town and adventure..."
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine at the same time. This helps the car grip the road better, especially when it's slippery or when driving off-road.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, improving traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions or off-road situations.
instant torque
"...having an EV powertrain while off-roading because, as you said, like the instant torque and all that..."
Instant torque means that electric cars can give you power right away, making them quick to accelerate, which is really helpful when driving on rough terrain.
Instant torque refers to the immediate power delivery from an electric motor, allowing for quick acceleration and responsiveness, which is particularly beneficial in off-road situations.
X-Mode
"Well, you know, with the BC Woodland and the X-Mode, there's different settings in there that are going to control the braking and torque to the wheels, which helps you better with that traction side..."
X-Mode is a special driving mode in some Subaru cars that helps the car handle better on rough or slippery roads. It makes it easier to drive in conditions like snow or mud.
X-Mode is a feature found in some Subaru vehicles that optimizes the vehicle's traction control and stability systems for off-road driving. It adjusts the engine output and braking to enhance grip on slippery surfaces like snow or mud.
traction control
"...that are going to control the braking and torque to the wheels, which helps you better with that traction side, and that's ultimately what it's about when you're off-roading..."
Traction control is a feature in cars that helps the wheels grip the road better, especially when it's slippery. It can slow down the wheels if they start to spin too much.
Traction control is a system in vehicles that helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration by adjusting engine power or applying brakes to individual wheels. This is particularly useful in slippery conditions.
off-roading
"...when you're off-roading is going to be the traction, and you do..."
Off-roading is when you drive a vehicle on rough surfaces like dirt or sand instead of regular roads. Some cars are built specifically for this kind of driving.
Off-roading refers to driving on unpaved surfaces, such as dirt, mud, sand, or rocky terrain. Vehicles designed for off-roading typically have enhanced suspension, higher ground clearance, and specialized tires for better traction.
custom setting
"...There's even a little custom setting that you can adjust if there's certain aspects that you want to do a little bit different..."
A custom setting in a car lets you change how the car behaves based on what you like or need. You can make it feel different for driving in various conditions.
A custom setting in a vehicle allows the driver to adjust various parameters, such as suspension stiffness, throttle response, and traction control, to suit their personal driving preferences or specific driving conditions.
all-terrain tire
"Well, the all-terrain tire is actually a $0 option, so it's standard with all-season tires, but the additional traction is a nice feature if you'll use it..."
All-terrain tires are special tires that work well on different types of roads, like highways and dirt paths. They have a rougher surface to help cars grip better when driving off-road.
All-terrain tires are designed to provide good traction on a variety of surfaces, including both on-road and off-road conditions. They typically have a more aggressive tread pattern compared to standard all-season tires, which helps improve grip in challenging terrains.
all-season tires
"Well, the all-terrain tire is actually a $0 option, so it's standard with all-season tires, but the additional traction is a nice feature if you'll use it..."
All-season tires are made to work well in different weather, like rain or light snow. They are good for regular driving and last a long time.
All-season tires are designed to perform well in a variety of weather conditions, including dry, wet, and light snow. They offer a balance of traction, comfort, and longevity, making them a popular choice for everyday driving.
range reduction
"...there is additional hit to the range. So it's about 20, around 20 miles of range reduction by opting into the all-terrain tire."
Range reduction means the car can go fewer miles before it needs to be charged or refueled. This can happen if you change things like the tires or add extra weight.
Range reduction refers to the decrease in the distance a vehicle can travel on a single charge or tank of fuel due to various factors, such as additional weight or different tire types. In electric vehicles, this is particularly important as it affects how far the car can go before needing to recharge.
Tesla Supercharger network
"...access to the Tesla Supercharger network, as well as others, you know, stuff out there."
The Tesla Supercharger network is a series of charging stations where Tesla owners can quickly recharge their cars. It makes it easier for Tesla drivers to travel long distances without worrying about running out of battery.
The Tesla Supercharger network is a system of fast-charging stations for Tesla electric vehicles, allowing for rapid recharging of the car's battery. It is designed to enable long-distance travel by providing convenient charging locations along major highways.
level two charging
"...if you have a level two, you can charge overnight pretty much from, you know, zero to 100%."
Level two charging is a way to charge electric cars faster than regular home outlets. It uses a special plug that gives more power, so you can charge your car overnight.
Level two charging refers to a type of electric vehicle charging that uses a 240-volt outlet, allowing for faster charging compared to standard household outlets. It is commonly used for home charging and can significantly reduce the time it takes to fully charge an electric vehicle.
MSRP
"What price are we talking about, more or less? The BC Woodland starts at $45,300."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests the dealer should sell the car for. It's like a guideline for how much you should expect to pay for a new car.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends that the dealer sell the vehicle for. It's a starting point for negotiations between the buyer and the dealer.
Toyota BZ Limited
"That's the same price as the BZ Limited all-wheel drive. So it is kind of at the top of our BEV family lineup."
The Toyota BZ Limited is an electric car from Toyota. It's designed to be eco-friendly and is part of a series of electric vehicles that Toyota is producing.
The Toyota BZ Limited is part of Toyota's BZ family of electric vehicles (BEVs), which emphasizes sustainability and advanced technology. This model showcases Toyota's commitment to electric mobility and aims to compete in the growing EV market.
BEV
"So it is kind of at the top of our BEV family lineup. And the success on the sales this past January was despite that no longer having the fair credit, right?"
BEV means Battery Electric Vehicle. It's a car that runs only on electricity and doesn't use gas, making it more environmentally friendly.
BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely by electricity stored in batteries. Unlike hybrid vehicles, BEVs do not have a gasoline engine and produce zero tailpipe emissions.
powertrain
"I think, you know, just with the improvements to BZ, the way it looks, the improvements to the powertrain, the charging."
The powertrain is the part of a car that makes it move. In electric cars, it includes the electric motor and battery that provide power to the wheels.
The powertrain refers to the components that generate power and deliver it to the vehicle's wheels. In electric vehicles, this includes the electric motor, battery, and transmission system, which work together to provide propulsion.
Toyota Chr
"...m customers. And we hope that adding in both the CHR and the BZ Woodland will appeal to even wider au..."
The Toyota C-HR is a small SUV that has a unique and modern look, making it stand out on the road. It's designed to be easy to drive and offers a lot of space for passengers and cargo, making it a good choice for people who need a versatile vehicle.
The Toyota C-HR is a subcompact crossover SUV that features a distinctive design and is aimed at younger, urban drivers. It combines practicality with a stylish appearance and offers a comfortable ride along with advanced safety features. The C-HR is often discussed in the context of its appeal to a new generation of car buyers looking for a versatile vehicle.
Dodge Charger
"...aving home charging and you can do on a level to charger on our vehicles. It's about a seven hour recharg..."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go really fast. It's popular because it combines a comfortable ride with a powerful engine, making it fun to drive, especially for those who like cars that have a lot of power.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its powerful performance and muscular design, often associated with American muscle cars. It has a rich history dating back to the 1960s and has evolved into a modern vehicle that combines performance with practicality. Discussions around the Charger often focus on its performance variants and its appeal to enthusiasts.
recharge time
"It's about a seven hour recharge time to go from 10% all the way back to 40."
Recharge time is how long it takes to fill up an electric car's battery. It can be quick or slow depending on the charger you use.
Recharge time refers to the duration it takes to charge an electric vehicle's battery from a certain level to a desired level. This time can vary based on the type of charger used and the battery's capacity. For instance, a level 2 charger can significantly reduce the recharge time compared to a standard outlet.
instant acceleration
"...I missed that instant acceleration. So, you know, an electric vehicle, even though it less horsepower..."
Instant acceleration means that when you press the gas pedal, the car speeds up right away. Electric cars are especially good at this because they can provide power immediately.
Instant acceleration refers to the immediate response of a vehicle's powertrain when the driver presses the accelerator pedal. This is particularly notable in electric vehicles, which can deliver power instantly compared to traditional combustion engines.
level three charging
"That's a level three. So, one of the things we're really excited about here is that we're now"
Level three charging is a very fast way to charge electric cars. It uses a special type of power that can fill up the car's battery much quicker than regular home charging.
Level three charging, also known as DC fast charging, provides rapid charging capabilities for electric vehicles by delivering direct current (DC) at high power levels. This allows EVs to charge significantly faster than level one or level two charging, making it ideal for long-distance travel.
NACS
"...charging system or NACS, that's kind of the acronym that's widely used on that. So, that opens us up."
NACS is a standard for charging electric cars in North America, making it easier to find chargers that work with your vehicle.
NACS stands for North American Charging Standard, which is a charging system designed to provide compatibility across a wider network of public electric vehicle chargers in North America.
level one charging
"...there's three different levels of charging. There's a level one, which is your standard home plug. Which will take days."
Level one charging means using a regular home plug to charge your electric car, but it's very slow and can take a long time to fully charge the battery.
Level one charging refers to using a standard household outlet to charge an electric vehicle, which is the slowest charging method and can take several days for a full charge.
on-board charger
"...we have an 11 kilowatt on-board charger and you can do that in seven hours. You can go there or public."
An on-board charger is a part of electric cars that helps convert electricity from charging stations into a form that the car's battery can use. It affects how fast the car can be charged.
An on-board charger is a component in electric vehicles that converts the incoming AC electricity from a charging station into DC electricity to charge the vehicle's battery. The power rating of the on-board charger determines how quickly the vehicle can be charged.
hybrid
"Maybe you have a hybrid now."
A hybrid car uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. This helps it save fuel and produce less pollution compared to regular cars that only use gasoline.
A hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Hybrids can switch between the two power sources or use them simultaneously.
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