Toyota is late with its electric cars. However, the second model in the electric bZ series is scheduled to start this year. It could become a real alternative for Tesla fans. But German customers face a problem.

Toyota challenges Tesla: This electric car is a real challenge

Toyota wants to bring out a new electric car this year, which should convince with an attractive price. One is planned Electric sedan in cooperation with the Chinese manufacturer BYD, who wants to conquer the German market with his own electric vehicles in the near future. For the bZ3 from Toyota, however, it doesn’t look like it.

Production and sale of the e-sedan from Toyota’s beyond-Zero series (bZ). still in 2022 in China start (source: IT Times). The model is a step in the cooperation between the traditional Japanese company and the much younger group from China, which is increasingly based on the automotive business – with success. BYD’s Han model is considered serious competition for Tesla’s Model S and will also be available in Germany at the end of October.

Lease an e-car and collect a bonus of €6,000

Toyota’s bZ3, on the other hand, could attack Tesla from the other direction: The sedan is to be slightly larger than the well-known Corolla and should therefore be in direct competition with Tesla’s Model 3. The Americans are put under pressure with a competitive price: Toyota wants to take 200,000 yuan in China. Converted, that would currently be almost 29,000 euros.

Tesla’s price in China rose to the equivalent of around 38,000 euros at the beginning of the year. However, according to the first leaks, Toyota will not be able to match Tesla in terms of performance. What the range looks like is still unclear. Since the bZ3, like the bZ4X already available in Germany, will be based on the e-TNGA platform, Up to 513 km shouldn’t really be a problem, as with the SUV.

The bZ4X is the only electric car from Toyota in Germany so far:

Toyota shows the concept car bZ4X in a teaser

New Toyota Stromer also in Germany?

The cooperation between BYD and Toyota could have a positive effect here. The Chinese are said to be responsible for the electric motor and battery in the bZ3. There are hardly any further details so far. The catch for German interested parties: The bZ3 will initially only be offered in China. It is unclear whether or when he will come to Germany.