Toyota bZ3C.

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.