Toyota launched its cheapest EV in China and it crashed the server starting at just $15,000
Toyota is making a bold move in the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) market. Taking direct aim at BYD and other low-cost EV manufacturers, the Japanese automaker has introduced its most affordable EV yet—the bZ3X. Launched in China at a jaw-dropping starting price of just $15,000 (109,800 yuan), the new electric SUV has already created an enormous buzz. Within just one hour of its release, over 10,000 orders flooded in, even crashing Toyota’s server due to overwhelming demand.
The bZ3X, also known as the Bozhi 3X in China, marks Toyota’s entry into the budget-friendly EV segment. This new electric SUV is the brand’s first sub-100,000 yuan pure electric SUV, making it one of the most competitively priced EVs in the country.
The launch took place on March 6 under Toyota’s joint venture with GAC-Toyota. The response was nothing short of phenomenal. Toyota had already sparked interest with blind pre-orders in December, where the price was teased to start just under 100,000 yuan ($14,000). The official release has only solidified its place as a disruptor in the low-cost EV space.
Toyota bZ3X: Variants and Pricing
Toyota has designed the bZ3X to cater to different customer preferences by offering two main versions—one with full-scenario smart driving technology and one without.
- Base Model (Non-Smart Tech Version) – Starting at 109,800 yuan ($15,000) with five trim options.
- Smart Driving Model – Starting at 149,800 yuan ($20,500), featuring advanced driver assistance and autonomous features.
- Top-Trim 610 Max Version – Priced at 159,800 yuan ($22,000), offering an impressive 610 km (379 miles) range from a 67.92 kWh LFP battery.
- Entry-Level 430 Air Version – Offers a 430 km (267 miles) range using a 50.03 kWh LFP battery.
Comfort and High-Tech Features
Toyota is not just focusing on affordability; it’s also bringing comfort and cutting-edge technology into the bZ3X.
- Spacious Interior: The cabin has been designed as a “mobile space” that is as comfortable as home. Both front and rear seats can fold down, providing nearly 10 feet (3 meters) of space, making it ideal for road trips or even car camping.
- Infotainment & Connectivity: The bZ3X comes equipped with a 14.6-inch infotainment screen with voice recognition and an 8.8-inch driver display.
- Steering Wheel: It features a two-spoke multi-function steering wheel, giving it a sleek and futuristic look.
Toyota’s Next-Gen Technology
For the first time, Toyota has equipped one of its vehicles with the Momenta 5.0 Intelligent Driving System. Powered by NVIDIA Drive AGX Orin X, this system offers 25 Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS) features, including:
- Parallel Parking Assistance
- Remote Control Parking
- High-Speed Pilot Mode
- Light Traffic Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring
Toyota claims that the bZ3X is designed to be one of the first vehicles globally to achieve a one-stage, end-to-end intelligent driving model. The car’s AI learning capabilities mean that it gets smarter and better with every use, enhancing safety and efficiency over time.
Toyota’s bZ3X directly competes with BYD’s Yuan Plus (Atto 3), a popular budget-friendly EV in China. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Toyota bZ3X | BYD Yuan Plus (Atto 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $15,000 | $16,000 |
| Top-Trim Range | 610 km (379 miles) | 510 km (317 miles) |
| Battery Capacity | 67.92 kWh (Top Trim) | 60.48 kWh |
| Infotainment Screen | 14.6 inches | 12.8 inches |
| ADAS Features | 25 Advanced Features | Standard ADAS |
Toyota’s bZ3X slightly undercuts BYD’s Yuan Plus in terms of price, offers a longer driving range, and features a larger infotainment system. This could make it a strong contender in the budget EV market.
China is home to some of the most competitive and fastest-growing EV brands, including BYD, Nio, and XPeng. These companies have already cemented their place in the EV space by offering affordable, tech-packed electric cars.
Toyota, traditionally known for hybrids rather than pure EVs, is now aggressively expanding in this space. The bZ3X marks a significant step in Toyota’s strategy to gain a foothold in the world’s largest EV market. With a lower price point, strong feature set, and brand trust, the bZ3X could be Toyota’s best chance yet to challenge local giants.
The Toyota bZ3X is a game-changer in China’s budget EV market. With an affordable price, impressive range, and cutting-edge smart technology, it’s clear why the demand was so high at launch. Whether it will be as successful in the long run remains to be seen, but Toyota’s aggressive pricing strategy certainly puts pressure on BYD and other EV leaders. What do you think about the Toyota bZ3X? Would you buy it if it were available in your country for $15,000? Let us know in the comments!
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