Toyota may have lagged behind other manufacturers in the development of electric vehicles, but the Japanese automotive giant is now poised to make a significant impact. According to InsideEVs, the company is set to launch its all-electric vehicle in order to compete with Tesla‘s expanding market share in China and Europe.
Earlier this year, Toyota unveiled its first all-electric compact SUV, the bZ4X, which is built on the E-TNGA platform.
Toyota has already begun shipping the new model, but a recall over a wheel-mounting issue has forced a global delay in the debut of the electric crossover.
It must also be noted that the bZ4X would be the first in a long line of upcoming Toyota electric vehicles, as declared by its CEO and President Akio Toyoda.
In retrospect, its prototype was named bZ Sedan. On the other hand, the publication assumes Toyota will brand it the “bZ3.”
Given the increasing demand for sporty cars in China, bZ3’s performance is anticipated to be outstanding. Soon, the Toyota bZ3 will be available in the Chinese market.
Meanwhile, in Europe, sales are anticipated to start by 2024. The bZ3 will ride on the electric vehicle trend to compete with the Tesla Model 3 since several new models are now vying for market share to grab from Tesla.
Remarkably, the bZ3 will be offered with two powertrains that produce either 178 or 238 horsepower, based on the most recent information posted on China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology website. Meanwhile, the EV‘s peak speed is capped at 99 mph, weighing between 1710 and 1840 kg.
Interestingly, the bZ3 is anticipated to use BYD‘s Blade lithium iron phosphate battery technology due to Toyota’s alliance with the Chinese manufacturer.
According to reports, the battery technology has a high energy density while being safer than conventional chemistries. Since its battery pack may be smaller with energy-dense cells, more internal space is available.
The technical specifications for Toyota’s upcoming bZ electric vehicle have not been publicly disclosed. However, the company has previously claimed that its bZ series EVs have a “human-centered” approach.
In addition, the company seeks to meet the rising demand for EVs in places like China, the US, and Europe.
