Toyota’s new EV, the bZ3C, is set to take the Chinese EV market by storm. Details were announced at the Guangzhou Motor Show 2024 on November 15, 2024, and the car is scheduled for release in 2025.
In China, the world’s largest automobile market, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is progressing rapidly. Toyota Motor Corporation is accelerating its electrification strategy in this huge market, and is continuously introducing EVs tailored to the needs of China.
Toyota bZ3C Overview
- A new coupe SUV that joins Toyota’s EV series “bZ.”
- It is scheduled to be released by spring 2025 as a model exclusive to the Chinese market.
- The vehicle was developed primarily by FAW Toyota, a joint venture with First Auto Works, and BYD TOYOTA EV TECHNOLOGY (BTET), a joint venture with BYD.
- Targeting the younger generation, it features a sporty and sophisticated design.
- It is expected to be equipped with advanced autonomous driving functions.
Exterior
- It features sharp headlights and a flowing roofline.
- Overall length 4780mm x overall width 1866mm x overall height 1510mm, wheelbase 2880mm.
- Two wheel sizes are available: 18 inches and 21 inches.
interior
- A sporty design aimed at young people, based on the theme of “Reboot” announced in the concept model.
- The red seats and trim create an active atmosphere.
Powertrain
- It is equipped with a BYD-made lithium-ion iron phosphate battery.
- The motor’s maximum output is 200kW.
- The cruising range is expected to be around 500 to 600 km according to China’s CLTC standards.
FAW Toyota’s new bZ3C coupe SUV is a new addition to the bZ series
Toyota bZ3C front
At the 2024 Beijing Motor Show in April 2024, Toyota unveiled the new EV “bZ3C,” which will be sold exclusively in the Chinese market, for the first time in the world. The bZ3C is a stylish coupe SUV that joins Toyota’s EV series “bZ.”
FAW Toyota’s new bZ3C: A sporty design targeted at young people
The bZ3C’s design is targeted at the younger generation, combining sportiness and sophistication. The sharp headlights and flowing roofline create a dynamic impression. The body dimensions are 4780mm long, 1866mm wide, 1510mm high, and have a wheelbase of 2880mm, making it similar in size to the Harrier.
Toyota bZ3C side
The side view highlights the coupe-style silhouette. Two wheel sizes, 18 inches and 21 inches, are available, creating a stylish look for the feet. The design makes the roof appear lower, giving the car a sporty impression despite being an SUV.
FAW Toyota’s new bZ3C interior combines advanced technology with comfort
Toyota bZ3C interior
The interior is designed to appeal to the younger generation, based on the “Reboot” theme unveiled in the concept model. The red seats and trim create an active atmosphere.
A LiDAR unit-like device has been spotted at the top of the windshield, suggesting the car may be equipped with advanced autonomous driving capabilities.
FAW Toyota’s new bZ3C powertrain jointly developed with BYD
The bZ3C was developed primarily by FAW Toyota, a joint venture with First Auto Works, and BYD TOYOTA EV TECHNOLOGY (BTET), a joint venture with BYD.
The powertrain is equipped with a BYD-made lithium-ion iron phosphate battery and a motor with a maximum output of 200 kW. Details such as the cruising range have not yet been announced, but it is expected to be around 500 to 600 km according to China’s CLTC standard.
Toyota’s EV strategy in the Chinese market
Toyota is actively incorporating local feedback into its product development for the Chinese market, and the bZ3C was developed after thoroughly analyzing the needs of Chinese consumers.
In recent years, the Chinese automobile market has placed emphasis on features that make the time spent in the car more comfortable and meaningful. In response to these changing trends, Toyota is strengthening its collaboration with Chinese manufacturers to develop EVs optimized for the Chinese market.
The bZ3C is scheduled to be released by spring 2025. By introducing this new EV, Toyota intends to further accelerate its electrification strategy in the Chinese market.
FAW Toyota new bZ3C specs
| item | bZ3C |
|---|---|
| Body size | Overall length 4780mm x overall width 1866mm x overall height 1510mm |
| Wheelbase | 2880mm |
| Vehicle weight | Unreleased |
| motor | |
| – kinds | Permanent magnet synchronous motor |
| – Maximum power | 200kW (268hp) |
| – Maximum torque | Unreleased |
| battery | |
| – kinds | Lithium-ion iron phosphate battery |
| – Capacity | Unreleased |
| Drive system | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
| Range | |
| – CLTC standards | 500-600km (estimated) |
| Charging time | Unreleased |
| Tire size | 225/60R18 or 225/45R21 |
| suspension | |
| – Before | MacPherson strut type |
| – after | Multi-link type |
| brake | |
| – Before | Ventilated disc |
| – after | disk |
| safety equipment | |
| – Toyota Safety Sense | Equipped (details unannounced) |
| – Autonomous driving function | Planned to be equipped with advanced autonomous driving functions (details not yet announced) |
A word from the editorial department
The Toyota bZ3C has an exciting, stylish design! It’s a shame that it’s only available in the Chinese market! I’m looking forward to seeing it released in Japan.
The evolution of EVs is truly remarkable. We will continue to bring you the latest information, so please look forward to it!
FAW Toyota
