Toyota has become the latest automaker to reduce prices on its electric vehicles in China, following Tesla’s lead earlier this year. The Japanese carmaker has slashed the price of its bZ4X electric SUV by 30,000 RMB, which is equivalent to around $4,350 at the current exchange rate. After the 15 percent price cut, the Toyota bZ4X now starts at 169,800 RMB ($24,660), making it much more affordable than in the US, where it has a starting MSRP of $42,000. The price reduction has been implemented by both of Toyota’s joint ventures in China – FAW-Toyota and GAC-Toyota.
In addition to the significant discount, the electric SUV can now be equipped with a solar charging module, which Toyota claims can provide up to 1,750 kilometers (1,087 miles) of additional driving range per year. This optional feature is available for 20,000 RMB ($2,900). The bZ4X is available in two different powertrain variants – single motor and dual motor – in China. The front-wheel-drive model produces 150 kilowatts (201 horsepower) and 266 Newton-meters (196 pound-feet) of torque, while the all-wheel-drive model offers a total of 160 kW (214 hp) and 337 Nm (248 lb-ft). Both versions offer the choice of two battery packs with capacities of 50.3 kWh and 66.7 kWh. The larger battery can provide a range of up to 615 km (382 miles) according to the CLTC test cycle. The Toyota bZ4X AWD can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds.
Since its Chinese market launch in October 2022 through January 2023, Toyota sold 3,844 bZ4X SUVs, accounting for 0.26 percent of China’s huge BEV market. Despite the tiny market share, the bZ4X was the best-selling Japanese EV in China in the fourth quarter of 2022. In addition to the bZ4X, Toyota also sells the C-HR EV/IZOA twins in China. Since the automaker sold a total of 4,037 pure electric vehicles in China last year, it means that the subcompact electric crossovers accounted for just under 200 sales. Toyota’s EV sales in China are likely to increase significantly this year as the bZ3 electric sedan will launch this quarter. Powered by BYD’s Blade LFP battery, the second model in Toyota’s bZ family of EVs is a Tesla Model 3 rival claimed to offer a CLTC range of 600 kilometers (372 miles).
FAQ
Q1: Are electric car batteries recyclable?
A1: Yes, electric car batteries can be recycled.
Q2: Are electric car chargers free?
A2: It depends on the charger and the location. Some public charging stations may be free, while others may require a fee.
Q3: Are electric car batteries dangerous?
A3: Electric car batteries can be dangerous if not handled properly. They contain hazardous materials and should be handled with care.
