Toyota’s next electric car has been leaked in China.
The Toyota bZ3 has appeared in images published by the Chinese Ministry for Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), with looks inspired by the bZ4X SUV and a smooth, almost coupe-ish roofline.
Very little has changed from the bZ SDN concept that preceded it, save for the wheels and detailing on the bumpers.
Under the skin, the bZ3 is expected to feature Blade lithium iron phosphate batteries manufactured by Chinese company BYD. They’re slimmer than conventional batteries, and are designed to free up more cabin space.
According to Car News China, the bZ3 will measure 4725mm long, 1835mm wide and 1475mm tall, with a 2880mm wheelbase. That would make it 95mm longer, 55mm wider and 40mm taller than the current Corolla sedan.
The rear-mounted motor will be offered in 136kW and 182kW guises, with a limited top speed of 160km/h. 16-inch wheels will feature on the base model, with 18-inch units on the more powerful version.
Reuters reports this EV will be sold in China exclusively and will launch in late 2022. It’ll be built by FAW-Toyota, and is expected to debut at the Guangzhou motor show in November.
It’s one of 30 electric cars Toyota plans to launch globally by 2030 across both passenger and commercial segments.
The company said it now expects annual BEV sales of 3.5 million cars by 2030, equal to just over a third of its annual output on current numbers. That’s up from a two million target announced in May this year.
The first of those EVs to come Down Under will be the bZ4X SUV. It was jointly developed with Subaru – which offers the Solterra – and sits on the co-created e-TNGA electric architecture.
While the Australian line-up is yet to be detailed, the bZ4X is available overseas with a choice of 150kW single motor and 160kW dual motor drivetrains, both teamed with a 71.4kWh lithium battery pack.
The single-motor version has a claimed driving range of approximately 500 kilometres per charge.
