Toyota first electric sedan, the bZ3, powered by BYD technology, received a warm welcome on its first day on the market. The bZ3 got 5,000 orders on April 16, according to FAW-Toyota, the automaker’s joint venture in China.
The bZ3 was officially unveiled last October as Toyota’s second all-electric model in its bZ (Beyond Zero) lineup.
Toyota’s electric sedan will join the bZ4X WATER, the world’s first electric vehicle from the Japanese manufacturer. The bZ3 is co-developed by BYD Toyota EV Technology – a joint venture established with FAW-Toyota (a joint venture established by FAW Group and Toyota in 2000) and BYD, China’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer.
Although the bZ3 is based on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform (the same used for the bZ4X), the electric sedan uses a lithium-ion LFP Blade Batteryelectric motor and electronic control system from BYD.
The bZ3 differs from Toyota’s electric SUV with a low center of gravity and an upgraded interior, including the automaker’s larger 12.8-inch suspended multimedia navigation system.
FAW-Toyota has deployed its first bZ3 model in March with a maximum CLTC range of 616 km (about 382 mi) and a starting price of just 189,800 RMB ($27,000).
The Toyota bZ3 electric sedan receives a warm welcome
After it went on sale on April 16, FAW-Toyota said its orders for the bZ3 electric sedans reached 5,000, with sales momentum expected to continue to grow.
The bZ3 will be offered in three versions, including the Elite PRO, Long Range PRO and Premium Long Range models.
| Model Toyota bZ3 | Price (USD) | Range (CLTC) |
| Elite PRO | 169,800 RMB ($24,680) | 517 kilometers (321 miles) |
| PRO long range | RMB189,800 ($27,587) | 616 kilometers (382 miles) |
| Premium long range | 199,800 RMB ($29,041) | 616 kilometers (382 miles) |
The bZ3 is available with two different battery sizes – 135 kW and 180 kW – both with a maximum torque of 303 nm (224 lb-ft). Additionally, two batteries – 49.9 kWh and 65.3 kWh – provide a CLTC range of 517 km (321 miles) and 616 km (382), respectively.
The automaker also claims the bZ3 can charge from 30% to 80% in 27 minutes with DC fast charging.
According to FAW-Toyota, those who buy from April 16 to July 31, 2023 will be entitled to a “limited benefit” of 15,000 RMB ($2,180).
Electrek’s Grasp
Perhaps the success of its first electric sedan will spur the company to sell more electric vehicles.
Toyota has struggled so far in the transition to fully electric vehicles after a disappointing bZ4X deployment. This partnership with BYD is apparently helping the automaker get its legs back.
After newly elected CEO Koji Sato took over this month, with many hoping he can turn around after former chief Akio Toyoda repeatedly avoided getting into electric vehicles.
Although Toyota has no plans to introduce the bZ3 in the United States, the Japanese automaker is planning a new three-row SUV as part of his strategy market ten new models of electric vehicles by 2026.
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