EV Battery Trouble

EV Battery Woes

For those keen on the latest in electric vehicles, Toyota and Subaru’s entry into the EV world with the bZ4X and Solterra has been less than smooth. These models have caught some eyes with their design, but there’s trouble brewing under the hood – or more accurately, under the bonnet – leading to a lawsuit about a recurring issue with their 12-volt batteries. Allegedly, these batteries are prone to early failure, and owners claim the automaker knew of the problem before rolling out the cars to the public.

Filing a class-action lawsuit in California, disgruntled drivers of the 2023 to 2025 Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra are pointing fingers at the erratic performance of these 12-volt batteries. While these aren’t the same as the robust battery powering the electric motors, they handle key tasks like controlling the windows, lights, and radio, and even connecting the main battery to the drivetrain. When the little 12-volter gives up, the whole car might as well take a nap.

Battery Trouble

A fellow named John Wade purchased a 2023 Toyota bZ4X back in March and not long after, the issues started showing up. He faced a dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree full of warning lights and, eventually, a complete shutdown requiring roadside assistance. Not long after that and under 2,000 miles in, he faced the same dead battery problem. A jumpstart was no help, and a new 12-volt battery was fitted by a dealership. But by December 2024, that new battery threw in the towel too.

After pouring $4,800 into a Level 2 home charger, thinking it might have been caused by insufficient charging equipment, Wade is still facing the same problems. Now, Toyota has until early July to provide their side of the story in court.

Driving Experience

Despite these hiccups, driving the bZ4X isn’t all bad. It’s got that signature Toyota smoothness and offers a quiet ride typical of most electrics. Compared to competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E or the Tesla Model Y, the bZ4X delivers a relaxed driving experience but lacks the punchy acceleration and nimble handling they offer. It’s more about the comfort of cruising than weekend racing.

Now, this situation puts a bit of a spotlight on how Toyota and Subaru are managing teething issues with their new electric offerings. For potential buyers, it’s a reminder to check all the details, especially when diving into new tech. Hopefully, these battery bugs get sorted soon so drivers can enjoy what’s otherwise a promising leap into the EV market by two well-regarded automakers.