The Toyota bZ3 is the second battery electric vehicle from the largest auto company in the world.
Toyota may be a little behind the curve when it comes to fully-electric vehicles, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t making progress fast. Hot on the heels of their first battery electric vehicle, the bZ4x is the bZ3. The Toyota bZ3 is a China-exclusive electric car that takes on a fastback form factor with a sloped roofline.
While Toyota partnered up with Subaru for the bZ4x, this time around they’re working with Chinese partners instead. BYD will be supplying the lithium ion phosphate (LiFePo) batteries while FAW Toyota will produce, sell and service the vehicles for the Chinese market. The three entities involved have a joint venture together known as BYD Toyota EV Technology Co., Ltd., or BTET for short.
Just like the bZ4x, the bZ3 is built on the e-TNGA platform which has been designed to minimise muscle strain and lessen fatigue over long distances. While Toyota has not shared power output figures, there are indications Chinese government websites that point to the bZ3 having 178hp and 238hp motor options – whether either of these are dual motor setups is still unknown.
What is known is the maximum driving range. Under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle, the bZ3 can deliver 600km of range thanks to the low coefficient of drag of just Cd 0.218 and the cutting edge battery design. These batteries are the first to use LiFePo chemistry at the cathode. Toyota and BYD have engineered the battery pack to retain 90% of its capacity even after ten years of use for customer peace of mind.
In terms of design, the bZ3 looks very closely related to the bZ4x. The same ‘hammerhead shark’ headlight graphic returns here as does the heavily creased rear fenders. Inside, the bZ3 has been developed as a ‘Family Lounge’, meaning the interior has some enhanced digital features that are made to entertain all occupants. To this end, they’ve developed something called the Digital Island system, which integrates a large vertical centre display with a tray-like console. There’s wireless charging, smartphone and multimedia linking integrated and the screen has functions for air conditioning, music, trunk release and more, all with voice control.
Toyota bZ3 Specifications
- Length: 4,725 mm
- Width: 1,835 mm
- Height: 1,475 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,880 mm
- Cd value: 0.218
- Seating capacity: 5
- Battery type: Lithium-ion Battery (first use of LFP cathode)
