Announced 2023 Toyota BZ4X is an electric crossover with 214 hp and a 71.4 kWh battery.

Toyota on Friday unveiled the first member of its new electric vehicle sub-brand, BZ (Beyond Zero).

The small crossover, similar in size to the hot-selling RAV4, is expected to hit U.S. showrooms around mid-2022 and will likely appear as a 2023 model.

The crossover was previewed by the BZ4X concept in April and will carry that name into production. A Subaru twin called the Solterra will also make an appearance.

The BZ4X will ride on a newly developed platform dubbed e-TNGA. This is Toyota's first EV-specific platform, and we can expect to see it in several Toyota (and Lexus) models in the coming years. Toyota has stated that it plans to have a lineup of 15 zero-emission vehicles by 2025, seven of which will be sub-brands of BZ.

The BZ4X announced on Friday is a version for the Japanese market, but the version to be launched in the Japanese market is expected to have similar specifications. Battery capacity is 71.4 kilowatt-hours, and the powertrain can be selected between 201 hp front-wheel drive and 214 hp all-wheel drive. Although a top speed was not mentioned, 0-62 mph acceleration is 8.4 seconds for FWD and 7.7 seconds for AWD.

In both cases, based on the WLTP test cycle used overseas, it is close to 300 mph. Measured under the more stringent EPA cycle, this figure is likely to be much lower. It can be charged at up to 150 kilowatts and can be 80% charged in 30 minutes. In some markets, roof-mounted solar panels will also be available.

Toyota said it focused on providing reliable performance throughout the life of the vehicle. For example, the BZ4X's range should remain constant even in cold winters, and the battery should retain about 90% capacity after 10 years (based on 15,000 miles of annual usage).

The interior is modern, with minimalist styling and a large central screen for infotainment. Toyota eliminated the traditional instrument hood to provide clearer visibility and give the cabin a more open and airy feel.

Most markets will feature a traditional steering wheel, but the Chinese market will get a yoke-style steering wheel (see below). Steer-by-wire technology replaces the traditional mechanical connection between the steering wheel and tires with an electrical system that sets the lock-to-lock with the yoke wheel at about 150 degrees. According to Toyota, this feature will be added to more models in the future, including those sold outside of China.

Other useful features of the BZ4X include cloud-based navigation, which can provide near real-time traffic information, charging stations, and parking availability. Wireless updates are also available, along with a digital key. The digital key allows the owner to unlock and start the vehicle using a smartphone, and this access can be remotely controlled between smartphones, including family and friends.

The BZ4X will be produced at factories in China and Japan.

More details on the U.S. version of the BZ4X will be announced closer to its market launch next year.