Toyota plays EV catch-up with 2023 Toyota bZ3 EV, relies on BYD tech

On October 24, 2022, Toyota finally unveiled an all-new battery electric vehicle (EV) for the Chinese market. And interestingly, it will be powered by BYD batteries.

First reported in our earlier story, the Japanese carmaker said in a press statement that the bZ3 is a result of the collaboration of BYD TOYOTA EV TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. (BTET), which is a joint venture established by Toyota and BYD Company Ltd. (BYD), and FAW Toyota Motor Co. Ltd. (FAW Toyota). 

"Over 100 Toyota engineers from the design, production, engineering, and quality control departments participated in the development, working in unison with engineers from BYD and FAW Toyota," the company said.

"The combined strengths of each member have resulted in unprecedented new value and new experiences for customers," Toyota added.

The bZ3 will be produced and sold through the FAW Toyota dealer network.

Why BYD?

Aside from manufacturing its line of EVs, BYD has been known as a supplier of EV batteries. Its specialty lies in battery technology. If you have a mobile phone from the early 2000s, chances are its battery was made by BYD. Its latest Blade Battery technology for electric vehicles is touted to be one of the safest battery packs available, withstanding nail penetration, crushing, and heat tests without resulting in fire or explosion.

Toyota China will also use BYD's powertrain components like batteries and motors. The bz3 is designed around this hardware and positioned as a Tesla Model 3 contender.

Slippery shape

One of the headline figures of the bZ3 is its 0.218 drag coefficient, which makes it one of the most aerodynamic EVs on the road.

Features like the chiseled hood with prominent fender lines, flat door handles, turbine-style aluminum wheels, and the tall, liftback-style rear help the bZ3 cut through the air cleanly.

Other neat design features include the character lines on the bottom of the doors, the kink at the C-pillar, and the aggressive headlights reminiscent of the ones on the Toyota Corolla Altis.

Comfortable hangout

Toyota said the bZ3's interior uses the "Family Lounge" design concept, whereby the car is a "space to enjoy time with family and friends."

The car also uses a "Digital Island" system that integrates a large vertical center display with a tray-type console. 

In addition to wireless charging, it also includes functions for linking smartphones and multimedia. The controls for the air-conditioning, music, trunk release, and other systems are integrated into the large display.

Second bZ model

The bZ3 uses the Toyota e-TNGA platform, which also underpins the Toyota bZ4X and the Lexus RZ crossovers. 

It is the second vehicle produced under the Toyota bZ EV lineup. The bZ4X was launched on April 2021.

The bZ3 combines BYD's lithium-ion LFP battery and Toyota's electrification technologies for a claimed maximum cruising range of over 600 kilometers.

Do you think the Toyota bZ3 should also be sold here in the Philippines?