Toyota BZ3 – A Battery Electric Sedan
The Toyota BZ3 is a battery electric compact sedan. It has been developed in a joint venture with BYD Auto and FAW Toyota, and will be produced in China by 2023. This car is the second of a series of battery electric cars produced by Toyota. It is currently being tested, and is expected to reach market in 2023.
The Toyota bZ3 is built on an e-TNGA platform, which provides lower center of gravity, excellent handling stability, and more responsive performance. It also features a lowered driving position to reduce fatigue and muscle strain, especially during long distances. In addition, the bZ3 will also feature a new battery from BYD.
While the Toyota BZ3 does not list the powertrain specifications, previous reports indicate that the vehicle will come with a two-liter four-cylinder engine, which will produce 178 horsepower. The Toyota bZ3 will have a top speed of 100 miles per hour. The FAW Toyota company will manufacture and sell the car in China, but it could also be available in Europe as early as 2024.
The Toyota bZ3 measures about 186 inches long and features one electric motor in the rear axle. It is powered by an advanced lithium-iron phosphate battery made by BYD. The BYD battery is reportedly safer and has a higher energy density. Toyota promises that the battery will retain 90 percent of its capacity after 10 years. There is no word yet on the price or release date for the Toyota bZ3 but it is expected to reach the market in the next few years.
The Toyota bZ3 will be manufactured on the same assembly line as the bZ4X SUV. The car is expected to produce around 30,000 units per year. The two companies are also working closely together to make the Toyota bZ3 sedan. In China, Toyota will build it alongside its e-TNGA-based bZ4X crossover. Toyota did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment on the bZ3 sedan’s production schedule.
The Toyota bZ3 is the size of a Toyota Corolla, but with a more spacious back seat. Toyota has long struggled to create a smaller electric vehicle that can be as roomy as a Camry. The bZ3 could offer a breakthrough. Toyota will manufacture the vehicle in Tianjin, China.
While it is unlikely to reach the United States market, the Toyota bZ3’s price will be very attractive. It would undercut Tesla’s Model 3 entry level by $10k. However, it would not be eligible for the Tesla Model 3’s tax credits. In addition, the bZ3 will not be sold outside China.
The Toyota bZ3 will be powered by BYD’s Blade batteries. The company and Toyota have a long-standing collaboration. The company had planned to unveil the bZ3 at the Beijing Auto Show in April, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was postponed.