Toyota bZ3 Electric Sedan Revealed With 600km Range

The new Toyota bZ3 which is currently only limited to the Chinese market was jointly developed by Toyota and Chinese firms BYD and FAW Toyota. Over 100 Toyota engineers from the design, production, engineering, and quality control departments participated in the development of the bZ3, working in unison with engineers from BYD and FAW Toyota.

The Toyota bZ3 will be sold in the world's largest EV market by FAW Toyota, which is a joint venture between Toyota and Chinese firm First Automobile Works. The Blade LFP battery pack has been provided by BYD which Toyota claims helps the all-new bZ3 deliver a range of over 600 kilometres on a single charge as per the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).

This range of over 600 kilometres on a single charge has been achieved with the help of the bZ3's rather impressive coefficient of drag of just 0.218. Toyota claims that the bZ3's electrification system combines BYD's LFP batteries and its own extensive electrification technologies honed through long-standing HEV development to help achieve the range.

The battery structure, cooling, control, and safety monitoring systems were all newly designed for the bZ3. Toyota states that the bZ3's battery pack will retain 90 per cent of its capacity even after 10 years.

BYD also provides the 'TZ200-XS002' motor that powers the new Toyota bZ3. The presence of this motor was revealed earlier in the year by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in the listing for the bZ3. The Chinese ministry on its website also revealed that the electric motor will be offered with two power levels in the bZ3 - 178 or 238hp. The top speed of the bZ3 EV in either form will be limited to 160km/h.

What Toyota has revealed about the new bZ3 are its dimensions. The Toyota bZ3 is based on the Japanese firm's e-TNGA EV platform and measures 4,725mm long, 1,835mm wide and 1,475mm tall. The Toyota bZ3's wheelbase is 2,880mm long.

In terms of design, the bZ3 features the hammerhead shark-like front design that was also seen on the bZ4x. Other design features on the bZ3's exterior include flat door handles, aluminium wheels, and a rear bumper shaped to reduce air resistance. The interior of the Toyota bZ3 features a large portrait-oriented infotainment display which controls most of the functions of the electric car. A smaller driver's display sits on the dash behind the steering wheel.

Thoughts About The Toyota bZ3

The Toyota bZ3 is the second from the Japanese firm's bZ battery electric vehicle lineup. While currently exclusive to China right now, the bZ3 is expected to make its debut in international markets like Europe by 2024.