The Toyota bZ3 is an electric sedan and is the second electric car in the “bZ” family after the bZ4X SUV. The car is based on the e-TNGA platform and was developed in partnership with Toyota, FAW Toyota and BYD, with the latter providing the battery pack and electric motor to power the bZ3.
The new 4.7-metre-long sedan joins the mid-size segment and will compete with the Tesla Model 3 and Nio ET5 with a wheelbase of around 2.9 metres. There are two power options – 135kW or 180kW. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels by a single electric motor, possibly making the more powerful 240hp model fun to drive.
BYD-supplied Blade LFP battery packs are available in two sizes – 49.92kWh or 65.28kWh with CLTC certified range of 517km and 616km respectively. Toyota claims to use its “electrification expertise” to reduce battery degradation and promises that its bZ3 batteries will retain 90% capacity after 10 years.
The interior was developed based on the Family Lounge concept and is expected to provide space to spend time with family and friends, according to the company. Thanks to the neutral colors and large windows, we can see from the photos that it is clean and tidy with plenty of light.
Toyota’s Digital Island system integrates the large central display with a tray-like console, it also has a driver-specific digital display, and the steering wheel is almost identical to that on the bZ4X. Wireless charging for phones, voice control and almost every function of the car can be controlled from this one place.
No official delivery time has been given yet, the car will be manufactured in China by FAW Toyota and sold through its dealer network. Reuters reported last month that the car will go into production before the end of this year and sales will follow soon with a target price of $28,000, but this has yet to be officially confirmed or denied.