Toyota Goes on the Electric Offensive with the bZ3C

Pioneer of hybridization, Toyota has been criticized for its somewhat timid approach to transitioning to 100% electric. But that was before.

Toyota is an anomaly in the current automotive landscape. While manufacturers have rushed into the 100% electric market like starving individuals, the Japanese automaker preferred to take its time. This cautious approach has long been mocked, but the stagnation of the electric market and the boom of hybrid engines may very well vindicate it! While Europeans were struggling against American and Chinese 100% electric productions, Toyota was selling its excellent hybrids like hotcakes. But at some point, one must take the plunge, and the time for an offensive seems to have come.

Initially developed for China, the stylish bZ3XC 100% electric crossover is equipped with a 270 hp (200 kW) electric motor and uses BYD batteries. It measures 4,780 mm in length, 1,866 mm in width, and stands at a modest 1,510 mm in height. With a boldly sporty style, and a wheelbase of 2,880 mm, it should offer excellent habitability despite its coupe design.

A Prius with a Chinese electric heart?

This design should look familiar as it takes cues from the concept car that Toyota unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show in April. It features everything we liked, including the double rear spoiler, the LED light bar at the back, and the flush door handles. Its resemblance to the Prius is certainly not coincidental, as the car is expected to share its platform. This is a mark of seriousness that has given the Japanese engineers the freedom to best integrate the electric motor and the batteries developed in collaboration with BYD.

This car arrives at the right time to take over from the bZ4X, whose career never really took off. Too divisive, the SUV certainly has its advantages but has continuously reduced its prices to finally find its customer base. In vain. Now we await the arrival date of the bZ3C in Europe, as nothing has been officially announced yet, but it would be surprising if it were not sold there, given how it meets all the criteria of a bestseller.

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