The Toyota bZ3, the automaker’s first all-electric sedan, is now available for pre-order in China after being unveiled last October. FAW Toyota, Toyota’s joint venture in China, revealed the model’s pricing with a starting price range of RMB 169,800 ($24,500) – 199,800. The electric sedan is a product of a collaboration between BYD and Toyota and is based on the e-TNGA all-electric vehicle platform.
Measuring 4,725 mm in length, 1,835 mm in width, and 1,475 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,880 mm and a wind resistance coefficient of 0.218 cd, the Toyota bZ3 is equipped with a single rear-mounted electric motor available in 135 kW and 180 kW options, both with a peak torque of 303 Nm.
See also: Toyota releases bZ3 electric sedan in China to compete with Tesla Model 3
It is powered by blade batteries and motors supplied by BYD, with a CLTC combined range of 517 km and 616 km, respectively, and is capable of fast charging, taking just 27 minutes to charge from 30 percent to 80 percent.
FAW Toyota offers three versions of the bZ3 with starting prices of RMB 169,800, 189,800, and 199,800 respectively, a range that is lower than the starting price of BYD’s all-electric Han EV, which costs RMB 219,800 to RMB 239,800 but higher than BYD’s hybrid model, Destroyer 05, which costs RMB 121,800 to RMB 157,800.
In China’s fast-growing NEV market, local car companies are rapidly rising while joint ventures are significantly lagging behind. In a bid to stay competitive, Toyota’s joint ventures in China have made efforts to lower the price of their models.
See also: Toyota bZ3 electric sedan powered by Blade battery from BYD
GAC Toyota, the automaker’s other joint venture in China, recently announced an RMB 30,000 price cut for the bZ4X, bringing the starting price down from RMB 199,800 to RMB 169,800. Images circulating on Chinese social media also showed some FAW Toyota dealership stores lowering the price of the bZ3 by RMB 60,000, bringing the starting price down to RMB 139,800.
As Toyota expands its presence in China’s electric vehicle market, the bZ3’s availability for pre-order presents an exciting opportunity for car buyers in the region.
