Toyota debuts four-door electric sedan, the second model in bZ EV family

Japanese automaker Toyota has finally debuted the next model in its bZ EV family, the bZ3, a four-door battery electric sedan with a maximum cruising range of over 600 kilometres.

Developed jointly for the Chinese market by Toyota’s joint venture with Chinese automotive giant BYD and in partnership with FAW Toyota Motor, the bZ3 will be produced and sold through the FAW Toyota dealer network in China.

The bZ3 will combine a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery made by BYD with Toyota’s extensive electrification technologies.

Its battery structure, cooling, control, and safety monitoring systems have been designed specifically for the bZ3, and is aiming to limit  battery degradation with the goal of ensuring 90% capacity after ten years.

Toyota describes a “hammerhead shark-like design” and the car has styling cues from the bZ4X. The exterior has been aerodynamically designed with a drag coefficient of only 0.218.

Inside, the bZ3 features what Toyota is describing as a “Digital Island” integrating a large vertical centre display with a tray-type console.

Wireless charging for devices and smart connection with smartphones allows greater freedom while driving. Other features like air conditioning, music, trunk release, and other controls can be accessed by the large display, and voice control provides greater convenience.

Able to seat five, the Toyota bZ3 measures 4,725mm long and 1,835mm wide, with a height of 1,475mm.

While the bZ3 has been designed specifically for the Chinese market, a September report suggested that Toyota was toying with the idea of launching the bZ3 into international markets in 2024.

With any luck, by the time 2024 rolls around, Australia may be an attractive enough market for Toyota to consider launching the bZ3 here as well.

The bZ3 is the second bZ model from Toyota, and part of the company’s larger goal of delivering six EV models based on the e-TNGA platform through the early part of this decade, although that strategy is now under review, as we report here.

See: Business revolution: Toyota plans major backflip on EVs as it plays catch up to Tesla