Japanese automaker Toyota officially launched the bZ3 sedan, the second model in its bZ series of electric cars. Local automaker BYD collaborated with FAW Toyota Motor on its development for the Chinese market, as per Autoblog.
Toyota’s global e-TNGA platform for electric vehicles serves as the foundation for the all-new bZ3. Meanwhile, its battery pack is manufactured by Chinese partner BYD. According to the automaker, the new model seeks to give customers an “electrified, dynamic, and enjoyable” driving experience.
Toyota bZ3 BEV – Specifications
Based on the tests using the CLTC cycle, the Toyota bZ3 is reported to have a driving range of over 600 kilometers (372 miles) thanks to Toyota and BYD’s combined expertise.
The all-electric sedan has a sophisticated powertrain made up of a lithium iron phosphate battery from BYD called the Blade lithium-ion LFP battery.
While the battery capacity is yet unknown, Toyota claims that the bZ3’s battery structure, cooling, control, and safety monitoring technologies were all newly developed.
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology estimates that the all-electric sedan will have a horsepower output of either 178 or 238.
Meanwhile, the Japanese automaker further asserts they will prevent battery degradation and maintain 90% capacity even after ten years.
Toyota bZ3 Performance
The e-TNGA platform, also used by the bZ4X SUV, serves as the foundation for the Toyota bZ3. The architecture guarantees the bZ3’s smooth ride, low center of gravity, superb handling stability, and responsive performance, as per InsideEVs.
The bZ3’s dimension is slightly larger in every metric than the Tesla Model 3. The front graphic, which Toyota compares to a hammerhead shark, is modeled from the bZ4X‘s design.
Toyota claims that the Family Lounge concept inspired the bZ3’s development. For those unfamiliar, it is the notion that “cars provide a space to enjoy time with family and friends, rather than merely being a means of transportation.”
The all-electric sedan also boasts a well-designed and cozy interior space. Furthermore, its development included innovative digital elements “perfectly integrated inside the cabin to suit customer preferences.”
With just one screen for the instruments and a larger screen for auxiliary functions operated by a dial-like input, the dash strives for a simple cool design. Meanwhile, the steering wheel has a flat top and bottom.
Estimated Pricing for the bZ3
The bZ3 is reported to cost the equivalent of $28,000 in CNY. Notably, it is still considerably less expensive than the Model 3, which has undergone a significant price drop to $36,000 in China.
Available details on Toyota’s all-new Bz3 sedan
| Length | 4,725 mm |
| Width | 1,835 mm |
| Height | 1,475 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,880 mm |
| Cd value | 0.218 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Battery type | Lithium-ion Battery (first use of LFP cathode) |
*1 Measured based on CLTC mode, cruising range on a single charge. Range will vary by grade.
*2 Estimated values based on the Toyota-simulated average usage of the battery cell alone. Actual vehicle-installed battery capacity varies depending on driving conditions and operating environment. The 90% battery capacity retention rate after ten years is not guaranteed under all conditions.
*3 Final vehicle specifications will be announced at the start of sales.
