Toyota bZ3C.
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A few new photos of the upcoming Toyota bZ3C EV were released today.
We have seen it before, in these cool color photos from last April. I guess the new model was not actually ready back then for some reason.
I think this is one of the very best Toyota designs in many years. At least as good as the new Prius. Basically, a Prius EV. It is of course based on the bZ3 Sedan that has been on sale in China for a few years now. And uses batteries from BYD.
This is not a tiny car since it is a couple of inches longer than the Tesla Model 3. And actually, something that would be welcome here.
Toyota‘s only EV in the US has been received with mostly poor reviews. With a slow charging rate and a real-world range of barely over 200 miles, US customers have much better choices these days. A smaller, less expensive model with improved specs is really what Toyota needs in the US.
Hyundai and Kia don’t have any problems selling their EVs. And the new Honda Prologue has already sold over 10,500 units in about 5 months. While Toyota sold around 9300 units of the bZ4X last year.
So far, Toyota isn’t even trying in the US and this new smaller bZ3C would be a great addition. Especially at a lower price point than $43,000 for the bZ4X.
Instead, Toyota will be concentrating on large electric SUVs for the US next year. As 2 brand new large EVs will start production locally in 2025. Still, many buyers are just looking for a more affordable EV.
The stunning-looking bZ3C pictured above is ready to go. I am sure something that stylish could find an audience over here, especially if priced at under $40,000. Meanwhile, most other manufacturers will soon offer cheaper EVs. Even Volvo is coming with a $35,000 EV30. The Kia EV3 is around the corner.
Why all the EV model names that look like they clipped and pasted a part of the VIN? Did the great naming computer break down. Maybe AI isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Out with Optima and Prius. In with bx#j34A3. Some kind of random password gone bad.
Sorry, Vince. I know it’s subjective – but I don’t agree that this car looks as good as the new Prius. It doesn’t have the low slung swoopiness of that car – and the angles are really jagged. Nothing flows. … I also agree with the comment posted regarding the naming scheme. I realize that Toyota wanted to use a naming system that suggests “offbeat” and “eclectic.” But by using the name they have chosen for this car, it will struggle to gain an identity because no one will remember what it is called.
I think this is a great design. It straddles the fine line of being unique and quirky without going to far. I would by this.
In the first photo it looks a lot like a small US Toyota Crown sedan. Do regular door handles really affect drag that much? As far as making more effort with EV’s, Toyota already made it clear that until the solid state batteries are ready they have no real interest in the market. Between now and then, expect more of their models to become hybrid only.
I think it will be a car forthe Chinese market only, unfortunatly. Toyota will have ev’s for Europe and States in 2026….not this model but similar looking somewhat smaller model. About time, allthough the hybrid sales are soaring, Toyota needs a Bev line up as a serious car manufacturer, asap.