Toyota bZ3C images leaked; production begins in Q4

KUALA LUMPUR: Toyota unveiled the bZ3C electric concept at the 2024 Beijing Motor Show in April this year. Now after five months, here we have the road-ready version of the EV in front of us, ahead of its official debut.

As reported by CarNewsChina, the images and preliminary details of the upcoming Toyota bZ3C have been recently published on China's MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) website. 

The Toyota bZ3C has been specifically developed for the Chinese market through a collaborative effort between Toyota and two prominent local companies, BYD and FAW. It is a 5 seater coupe-SUV measuring 4780 mm in length, 1866 mm in width, and 1510 mm in height. The wheelbase is 2880 mm long while the curb weight is estimated at 1920 kg.

In terms of design, the upcoming Toyota EV looks like the Prius. It features a bold look with lobster-claw-shaped LED headlights connected by a light strip. The EV drops the black air vents on the front quarter panels that were seen in the concept version. Other features remain the same, like the split roof spoiler, a full-width rear light bar, and flush door handles. As for wheels, Toyota offers a choice between 18-inch or 21-inch.

The Toyota bZ3C also includes an optional laser radar on top of the front windshield, which helps enhance the car's safety features by detecting obstacles and assisting advanced driver assistance systems.

While China regulators didn’t reveal any interior shots, official concept photos from April revealed that the EV has a sophisticated and minimalistic dashboard design, with clean lines and a modern aesthetic. It incorporates a dual-tier centre console, a large infotainment touchscreen, and a panoramic roof.

The bZ3C will use a TZ200XS003 single electric motor sourced from BYD. Built by BYD’s subsidiary, Fudi Power, in Changsha, the said mill is capable of generating a maximum power of 268 hp. The top speed is electronically limited to 160 kmph.

The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery is also sourced from BYD through its FinDreams division. While the exact battery capacity hasn’t been disclosed, the reports suggest an expected range between 500 and 600 km on a single charge, according to the CLTC testing standard. 

The production of the Toyota bZ3C will begin at the Toyota-FAW joint-venture plant in Tianjin in the fourth quarter of the year.

Closer to home, Toyota is likely to launch its first bZ (Beyond Zero) model, the bZ4X, in Malaysia later this year. The Beyond Zero initiative is an integral part of the automaker’s global endeavour to attain Carbon Neutrality by 2050. 

Also read: All-new Toyota Camry Hybrid arrives in Singapore; Will Malaysia be next?