Toyota’s new electric SUV, the bZ3X, is making waves in the Chinese market. Priced at around $15,000, this affordable electric vehicle has quickly become the best-selling EV among foreign brands in China. This success comes after Toyota struggled to gain a foothold in the electric vehicle market, but the bZ3X seems to be turning things around for the Japanese automaker.
Launched in March by Toyota’s joint venture, GAC Toyota, the bZ3X offers a budget-friendly option for consumers looking to make the switch to electric vehicles. With a starting price of just 109,800 yuan, or approximately $15,000, the bZ3X is Toyota’s first 100,000 yuan-level pure electric SUV in China.
The popularity of the bZ3X is evident in its sales numbers. In May, the electric SUV outsold its competitors, with 4,344 units sold, making it the best-selling foreign-owned EV in China for the month. This success is a testament to the growing demand for affordable electric vehicles in the Chinese market.
The bZ3X’s popularity is further highlighted by the overwhelming response it received at launch. GAC Toyota reported that the server crashed due to the high volume of orders, with over 10,000 orders placed in just one hour. By the end of April, the company had already delivered over 10,000 bZ3X models to customers, with another 12,000 pending orders.
The bZ3X comes in seven different trims, with two battery options – 50.03 kWh and 67.92 kWh – offering driving ranges of 430 km (267 miles) and 610 km (379 miles) respectively. The interior of the bZ3X features a 12.3″ infotainment screen and an 8.8″ driver cluster, creating a tech-heavy cabin that sets it apart from traditional Toyota vehicles.
Equipped with Momenta’s 5.0 smart driving system, the bZ3X offers advanced driver assistance features like Level 2 assisted driving and remote parking. This, combined with Toyota’s partnerships with Chinese tech giants like Huawei, Xiami, and Momenta, positions the bZ3X as a leader in the Chinese EV market.
Overall, Toyota’s new electric vehicles are helping the company gain momentum in China. With strong sales numbers and a focus on innovation and collaboration with local tech companies, Toyota is poised to continue its success in the Chinese EV market. The bZ3X, along with other upcoming models like the bZ5, show that Toyota is committed to providing affordable and technologically advanced electric vehicles to meet the growing demand in China.
