Toyota bZ
The Toyota bZ series ("beyond Zero") is a family of battery electric vehicles (BEV) manufactured by Toyota. It was introduced in April 2021 alongside the bZ4X Concept. The bZ series is a part of Toyota's plan to introduce 15 battery electric vehicle models by 2025, seven of which are from the bZ series.[1] Vehicles from the bZ series make use of the e-TNGA platform co-developed with Subaru.
According to Toyota, the "beyond Zero" name is intended to convey the desire to provide customers with value that exceeds mere "zero emissions." The company described the bZ series as a "human-centered" approach aimed for regions such as China, North America, and Europe, where there are growing demand for BEVs.[2]
Its first vehicle, the bZ4X, is produced in Japan and China and has been sold since mid-2022.[3] The second model, called bZ3, was introduced in October 2022 to be sold exclusively in China in 2023. It is co-developed with BYD Auto through the BYD Toyota EV Technology (BTET) joint venture.
Production models
[edit]Patent fillings in 2020 revealed that Toyota had registered nine nameplates under the bZ series, which include bZ1, bZ2, bZ2X, bZ3, bZ3X, bZ4, bZ4X, bZ5, and bZ5X.[4][5] The numbers refer to the vehicle size or segment, while the 'X' denotes to the vehicle being a crossover SUV.[6]
Current production models
[edit]- Toyota bZ4X (2022–present)[7]
- Toyota bZ3 (2023–present); sold in China only[8]
- Toyota bZ3C (2024); sold in China only
- Toyota bZ3X (2024); sold in China only[9]
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Toyota bZ3
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Toyota bZ3C
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Toyota bZ3X
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Toyota bZ4X
Future production models
[edit]- Toyota bZ5X (2026)
Concept models
[edit]
In December 2021, Toyota revealed the bZ Compact SUV, bZ Large SUV, bZ Small Crossover, and bZ SDN (sedan) concept vehicles as part of the bZ series. The four bZ concepts were displayed as part of an event that showcased fifteen future Toyota and Lexus battery electric models.[10] The bZ SDN was later revealed as the bZ3 in October 2022.
An updated bZ Compact SUV concept was shown at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ "Press Release - TOYOTA REVEALS GLOBAL ELECTRIFICATION STRATEGY IN SHANGHAI". toyota.pressroom.com.au. Retrieved 2021-04-19.
- ^ CORPORATION, TOYOTA MOTOR. "Toyota announces its new BEV series, Toyota bZ, in establishment of a full line-up of electrified vehicles | Toyota | Global Newsroom". Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website. Retrieved 2021-04-19.
- ^ "Toyota kicks off new 'Beyond Zero'-emissions brand with bZ4X Concept". Driving. 2021-04-19. Retrieved 2021-04-19.
- ^ "Toyota, Lexus all-electric SUVs teased, co-developed with Subaru – UPDATE | CarAdvice". CarAdvice.com. Retrieved 2021-04-19.
- ^ Hoffman, Connor (2021-04-09). "Toyota's Upcoming EVs Could Be Named BZ, for Beyond Zero". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2021-04-19.
- ^ "Toyota BZ4X Is The Name For Automaker's New Electric Crossover". InsideEVs. Retrieved 2021-04-19.
- ^ Gauthier, Michael (2021-04-19). "Toyota's bZ4X Concept Previews An Electric SUV Coming In 2022". Carscoops. Retrieved 2021-04-19.
- ^ Mihalascu, Dan (2022-10-24). "Toyota bZ3 Compact Electric Sedan Bows In China With 372-Mile Range". InsideEVs. US: Motorsport Network. Retrieved 2022-10-25.
- ^ Didier Ric (2023-09-26). "Toyota bZ3x (2024) : l'alter ego électrique du C-HR se précise". L'Automobile Magazine.
- ^ "Toyota bZ compact SUV and bZ small crossover - 6368032". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2021-12-14.
- ^ "A Nod to the Near Future: Toyota bZ Compact SUV Concept Revealed in U.S." (Press release). US: Toyota. 2022-11-17. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
