To keep up with the rise of BYD, Tesla, and other electric vehicle makers, Toyota is launching a new all-electric crossover. The Toyota bZ3C looks like the new Prius, but the electric SUV won’t be available in the US.
Toyota launches bZ3C in China as a new competitor to BYD
“What kind of battery electric vehicle will put a smile on the faces of our Chinese customers?” Executive Vice President and CTO Hiroki Nakima asked during a press conference last month.
Toyota debuted its new bZ3C at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show in April as part of its “multi-path approach” to reducing emissions.
The bZ3C is designed to be a spacious, fun electric car centered around the ‘restart’ concept. Toyota says the distinctively designed electric vehicle focuses on features to create a fun personal space for younger Generation Z buyers.
Toyota jointly developed the bZ3C with BYD Toyota EV Tech, FAW Toyota Motor and Toyota Intelligent Electric Mobility R&D Center.
BYD Toyota EV Tech, a joint venture between BYD and Toyota, has launched the bZ3 electric sedan jointly developed in China. However, the bZ3C appears to be a slightly larger SUV.
Revealed alongside the bZ3X, the bZ3C is a “family-oriented” all-electric SUV. According to Toyota, the concept’s interior is based on a mobile “comfortable home.”
Both models will feature Toyota’s latest driver assistance systems and smart cockpit. Toyota is expected to start selling the two new electric cars in China next year.
Final prices and specifications will be revealed closer to the launch date. Check back soon for more information.
Take Electric
After losing market share to BYD and other Chinese electric car makers, Toyota is targeting younger buyers to compete in the region.
Toyota’s sales fell 3.1% in China in March due to “continued intensification of market competition.” Sales fell 1.6% during the first quarter as Toyota looks to rebound in the second half of 2024.
Although Toyota’s new bZ3C is designed for China, US customers also have something to look forward to.
Toyota is preparing another large electric SUV (in addition to the three-row electric vehicle already announced) as part of its recent $1.4 billion investment in its Princeton, Kentucky, plant. It could be the electric Highlander we’ve been waiting for.
said David Crist, General Manager of Toyota’s US division CarBuzz Last month, “You will see more electric cars from us in the future.” According to Christ, this will include the three-row electric Toyota Highlander.
Toyota is also considering electric Tacoma and Tundra models, but don’t get too excited. The company is monitoring demand for competitors like the F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T.
The company could use new electric models in the US, where the lone bZ4X model represents less than 0.5% of sales through March. With the Lexus RZ included, Toyota’s total EV sales are still less than 0.62%.
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