Fourteen Toyota bZ4Xs have hit the gym and been deployed to Australia’s northwest, joining the fleet ranks at Fortescue’s processing facility in Port Hedland.
Prepared and delivered by Pilbara Toyota, the vehicles have been upgraded with all-terrain tyres, a shatter-proof coating for the panoramic glass roof, full-sized spare wheel, cargo barrier, side nets and an EV-pedestrian alert system.
Other enhancements extend to the obligatory high-vis and vehicle number decals, Fortescue branding, flashing orange roof lights and radio equipment.
The vehicles will be running alongside the existing fleet of Toyota Hiaces, offsetting their seating deficit with more clearance and all-surface traction thanks to their knobby tyres and all-wheel drive.
On that note, no changes have been made to the pre-update dual-motor battery-electric powertrain to offset the extra auxiliary equipment or higher roll-resistance tyres.
“We’re excited to bring the bZ4X to our Pilbara operations and see how they perform in real-word conditions,” Fortescue decarbonisation delivery general manager Sinead Booth said.
An updated bZ4x will arrive Down Under in the last quarter of the year offering more range, power and performance.