The New Toyota bZ3 Electric Vehicle Uses BYD’s Battery Technology

Toyota has taken the wraps off the bZ3 electric sedan, its second all-electric vehicle in the bZ series, after the bZ4X. Developed in collaboration with FAW Toyota and BYD, this electric vehicle is exclusive to China at the moment. 

The bZ3 has a design theme which Toyota likes to call “hammerhead-shark like design format.” An LED DRL strip runs across the width of the fascia, connecting both the headlamps placed in deep housings. Adding aggression to the design are the bulges on the wheel arches and the sharp lines and creases over the entire side profile. It’s swooping silhouette and flat door handles help the sedan achieve a drag coefficient (Cd) value of 0.218.  

Inside, the large portrait-style touchscreen infotainment system dominates the central console. Other quirky, but cool-looking bits include the square-shaped steering wheel and the digital driver’s display placed high up on the dash. The lack of physical buttons in the central console also gives the cabin a minimalist appeal. 

Toyota is yet to reveal the detailed specifications of the bZ3. What has been confirmed though is the sedan will use BYD's LFP battery that helps it deliver over 600km of range on a single charge. The carmaker also added that this battery pack will have 90 per cent capacity even after 10 years. 

The Toyota bZ3 locks horns with sedans such as the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4.