Rahul Somvanshi
Toyota has officially launched its cheapest electric vehicle in China. The bZ3X (known locally as “Bozhi 3X” or “Platinum 3X”) starts at just 109,800 yuan ($15,150), making it Toyota’s most affordable EV offering in the world’s largest electric car market.
The launch created such excitement that Toyota’s servers crashed after receiving over 10,000 orders in the first hour alone. This strong initial response indicates Toyota might have found the sweet spot between affordability and features that Chinese consumers are looking for.
Peng Baolin, a vice president of sales at GAC Toyota, confirmed the overwhelming demand on his Weibo social media account, noting the server issues caused by the rush of interested buyers.
What You Get for $15,000
The bZ3X comes in seven different versions – five without LiDAR sensors and two with this advanced technology that helps vehicles “see” their surroundings. The base model starts at 109,800 yuan ($15,150), while versions with LiDAR begin at 149,800 yuan ($20,700).
For the base price, buyers get a compact SUV measuring 4,600 mm long with a single electric motor producing around 200 horsepower. The entry-level “430 Air” model uses a 50 kWh battery that delivers up to 430 km (267 miles) of driving range.
Stepping up to the “610 Max” version with its larger 67.9 kWh battery increases range to 610 km (379 miles), though these figures use China’s optimistic CLTC testing method, which typically yields higher numbers than real-world driving.
Tech That Stands Out
What makes the bZ3X noteworthy isn’t just its price but the technology packed inside. The variants equipped with LiDAR include:
- Nvidia’s Drive Orin X chip capable of 254 trillion operations per second
- A comprehensive sensor package with one LiDAR unit, three long-range radars, 11 ultrasonic sensors, and 11 cameras
- Momenta’s 5.0 Intelligent Driving System with 25 different driver assistance features
Inside, all models feature a minimalist cabin with a 14.6-inch touchscreen powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8155 chip and an 8.8-inch digital instrument display. The interior design allows both front and rear seats to fold flat, creating nearly 10 feet of space for camping or resting.
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Toyota’s Strategy in China
The bZ3X represents Toyota’s attempt to gain ground in China’s fiercely competitive EV market. Japanese automakers have struggled to keep pace with local Chinese brands, which now dominate the affordable electric segment.
Recent data from the China Passenger Car Association shows that while new energy vehicles (NEVs) accounted for 41.5% of China’s auto market in January 2025, mainstream joint venture brands (including Japanese companies) held just 3% of this electric vehicle market.
By pricing the bZ3X slightly below BYD’s popular Yuan Plus (Atto 3), which starts at 115,800 yuan ($16,000), Toyota is directly challenging one of China’s EV giants. The bZ3X is similar in size to the Yuan Plus but offers competitive or superior features at a lower starting price.
The bZ3X joins Toyota’s growing electric lineup in China, which includes the more expensive bZ4X SUV (starting at 179,800 yuan) and the bZ3 sedan produced by Toyota’s other Chinese joint venture, FAW Toyota.
Will It Come to America?
Despite the bZ3X’s attractive pricing and features, it’s unlikely to reach American shores. Current U.S. trade policies effectively block Chinese-built electric vehicles, and tariffs would significantly raise the price if imported.
For comparison, the cheapest new car currently available in the U.S. is the Nissan Versa S at $18,330, followed by the 2025 Chevrolet Trax at $21,495. Even with its impressive technology, bringing the bZ3X to America would likely push its price well above these figures, erasing its affordability advantage.
The bZ3X shows Toyota’s commitment to developing competitively priced electric vehicles with advanced features. Its reception in China may influence how Toyota approaches affordable EVs in other markets going forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Toyota bZ3X cost?
The Toyota bZ3X starts at 109,800 yuan ($15,150) for basic models. Versions with advanced driving features and LiDAR sensors start at 149,800 yuan ($20,700). The most expensive version costs 159,800 yuan ($22,000).
What is the driving range of the Toyota bZ3X?
The base model with its 50 kWh battery offers up to 430 km (267 miles) of range. The long-range “610 Max” version with a 67.9 kWh battery can travel up to 610 km (379 miles) on a single charge according to China’s CLTC testing system, which typically gives higher estimates than real-world driving.
What technology features does the Toyota bZ3X offer?
Higher-end models include LiDAR sensors, Nvidia’s powerful Orin X chip, and a driving assistance system with 25 different features. All versions come with a 14.6-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and voice recognition. The interior can transform into a flat space with both front and rear seats folding down.
How does the bZ3X compare to other electric cars in China?
The bZ3X is priced slightly below popular competitors like BYD’s Yuan Plus (Atto 3), which starts at 115,800 yuan ($16,000). While similar in size, Toyota offers comparable or better features at a lower starting price, directly challenging Chinese EV makers that have dominated the market.
Can I buy the Toyota bZ3X in the United States?
No, the bZ3X is unlikely to be sold in America. Current trade regulations restrict Chinese-built vehicles in the US, and tariffs would significantly increase the price. This would eliminate the affordability advantage that makes the bZ3X attractive in China.
How successful has the bZ3X been so far?
The initial response has been extremely strong, with over 10,000 orders placed in the first hour of launch. This demand was high enough to crash Toyota’s ordering website, suggesting the combination of price and features has struck a chord with Chinese consumers.
