Toyota to launch a Prius-like bZ3C electric crossover, but you can’t have it
To keep up with surging BYD, Tesla, and other EV makers, Toyota is launching a new all-electric crossover. The Toyota bZ3C looks like the new Prius, but the electric SUV crossover won’t be available in the US.
Toyota to launch bZ3C in China as new BYD rival
“What kind of BEV would bring smiles to the faces of our Chinese Customers?” Executive Vice President and CTO Hiroki Nakakima asked during a press conference last month.
Toyota debuted its new bZ3C at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show in April as part of its “multi-pathway approach” to reduce emissions.
The bZ3C is designed as a fun, spacious EV around the concept of “reboot.” Toyota says the distinctive styled EV focuses on features to create a fun personal space for younger Gen Z buyers.
Toyota jointly developed the bZ3C with BYD Toyota EV Tech, FAW Toyota Motor, and Intelligent Electromobility R&D Center by Toyota.
BYD Toyota EV Tech, a joint venture between BYD and Toyota, has already launched the co-developed bZ3 electric sedan in China. However, the bZ3C appears to be a slightly bigger crossover SUV.
The bZ3C was unveiled alongside the bZ3X, an all-electric “family-oriented” SUV. According to Toyota, the concept’s interior is based on a mobile “Cozy Home.”
Both models will feature Toyota’s latest driver-assist systems and smart cockpits. Toyota is expected to begin selling both new EVs in China within the next year.
Prices and final specs will be revealed closer to launch. Check back soon for more info.
Electrek’s Take
After losing market share to BYD and other Chinese EV makers, Toyota is targeting younger buyers to compete in the region.
Toyota’s sales fell 3.1% in China in March due as “market competition continues intensifying.” Sales are down 1.6% through the first quarter as Toyota looks to rebound in the second half of 2024.
Although Toyota’s new bZ3C is designed for China, US customers also have something to look forward to.
Toyota is preparing another large electric SUV (in addition to the already announced three-row EV) as part of its recent $1.4 billion investment in its Princeton, Kentucky plant. It could be the electric Highlander we’ve been waiting for.
David Christ, GM of Toyota’s US division, told CarBuzz last month, “You’re going to see more BEVs from us in the future.” According to Christ, this will include an electric three-row Toyota Highlander.
Toyota is also considering electric Tacoma and Tundra models, but don’t get too excited. The company is monitoring the demand for rivals like the F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T.
The company could use new electric models in the US, with its sole bZ4X accounting for less than 0.5% of sales through March. With the Lexus RZ included, total Toyota EV sales are still under 0.62%.
What do you think? Should Toyota launch its smaller electric crossover in the US? Let us know your thoughts below.
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Environment
Podcast: new Tesla Model S/X, Robotaxi is sort of coming, Xiaomi breaks EV Nurburgring record, more
In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss the new Tesla Model S and Model XX, Robotaxi is sort of coming, Xiaomi breaking the EV record at Nurburgring, and more.
The show is live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET on Electrek’s YouTube channel.
As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.
After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:
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Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:
Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 4:00 p.m. ET (or the video after 5 p.m. ET:
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Environment
Chevy closes in on Tesla with the Equinox and Blazer EVs ‘right in the heart of the market’
Chevy is narrowing the gap with Tesla in the US, thanks to its new Equinox and Blazer EVs. After outselling Ford, Chevy is now the fastest-growing EV brand in the US.
Chevy EV registrations triple in April as Tesla slips
GM is outpacing rivals in the US with a full lineup of 13 all-electric vehicles. Its biggest star so far has been Chevy, with new EVs like Equinox and Blazer seeing strong demand.
In the first quarter, Chevy became the fastest-growing domestic EV brand, outpacing Ford. According to the latest registration data from S&P Global Mobility (via Automotive News), Chevy is not slowing down. It’s actually closing in on Tesla.
Although new EV registrations fell for the first time in over a year in April, Chevy more than tripled its share. Tesla remained the top-selling EV brand with 39,913 registrations, 16% fewer than in April 2024.
Chevy registered 9,160 EVs in April, more than triple (+215%) that of last year. Its share of the EV market rose to 9.4%, up from just 2.8% last April.
The Chevy Equinox EV was the third most popular model, behind Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3, with 5,424 registrations. Tesla Model Y registrations fell 42% to 18,978, while Cybertruck registrations slipped 23% to 1,680.
To be fair, Tesla already said earlier this year that the new Model Y changeover would impact production in the first quarter.
Chevy’s Blazer EV ranked sixth with 2,662 registrations in April. S&P Global Mobility analyst, Tom Libby, explained that “They have the Equinox and the Blazer right in the heart of the market and they’re really benefiting from that.”
| US EV Registrations April 2025 | % Change from April 2024 | |
| Tesla | 39,913 | -16% |
| Chevy | 9,160 | 215% |
| Ford | 5,534 | -33% |
| BMW | 4,812 | 8.7% |
| Hyundai | 4,796 | -25% |
| Cadillac | 3,829 | 104% |
| Nissan | 3,316 | 52% |
| Rivian | 3,109 | -30% |
| Mercedes-Benz | 2,392 | -19% |
| Acura | 2,315 | – |
The Chevy Equinox EV, or “America’s most affordable 315+ mile range EV,” starts at just $34,995. No wonder it’s selling like hotcakes.
Through May, Chevrolet has sold over 37,000 electric vehicles in the US, outpacing Ford, which has sold 34,000. We will learn more when GM reports second quarter sales on July 1.
With leases starting at just $289 per month, the 2025 Chevy Equinox EV is a pretty good deal right now. Chevy is also offering 0% APR for 60 months on all 2025 EV models. Ready to try one out for yourself? You can use our links below to find Chevy EV models in your area.
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