Toyota launches EV at around ₹12.5L—Will it come to India?
What's the story
Toyota has unveiled its most affordable electric vehicle (EV), the bZ3X, in China.
The company hopes to expand its footprint in the world's largest EV market by taking on budget-friendly brands like BYD.
The new model, priced at roughly $15,000 (around ₹12.5 lakh), received an overwhelming response with over 10,000 orders within an hour of launch. The high demand even crashed Toyota's server temporarily.
Specifications
bZ3X is offered in two versions
The bZ3X, manufactured by Toyota's joint venture with GAC Group, is the company's first "100,000 yuan-level pure electric SUV" in China.
It is available in two versions: one with full-scenario smart driving technology and another without it.
The base model starts at 109,800 yuan ($15,000) and provides five trim options. The smart driving model starts at 149,800 yuan ($20,500).
Range and design
Impressive range and interior features of bZ3X
The top-tier "610 Max" trim of the bZ3X promises a range of up to 610km from a 67.92kWh LFP battery, while the base model "430 Air" promises up to 430km from a smaller 50.03kWh LFP battery pack.
The interior offers "a mobile space that is comfortable as home," with foldable front and rear seats that create nearly three meters of space.
Technology
Advanced tech and intelligent driving system in bZ3X
The bZ3X comes with a 14.6-inch infotainment screen with voice recognition, an 8.8-inch driver display, and a two-spoke multi-function steering wheel.
It is also Toyota's first vehicle to feature the Momenta 5.0 Intelligent Driving System powered by NVIDIA Drive AGX Orin X.
The system packs 25 ADAS features including parallel parking, remote control parking, high-speed pilot, light traffic assist, and blind spot monitoring.
Toyota has not yet confirmed the availability of this EV in India or other markets.