Toyota launches bZ3, one of the cheapest EVs at €11,800 in China

Toyota has unexpectedly launched one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market—the bZ3 sedan, which now costs just around €11,800 in China. This makes it not only the cheapest EV from the brand but also one of the most accessible options available.

Previously, the model was already competitively priced, starting at approximately €13,800. However, new discounts and intense competition in the Chinese market have driven the cost down to a level unattainable in Europe. For context, even entry-level EVs in the EU are significantly more expensive, with the popular Dacia Spring starting at about €16,000.

The secret behind the low price lies in collaboration with Chinese giant BYD. Developed jointly with FAW Toyota, the model uses Blade batteries, which helps slash production costs without major compromises on features. In practice, this means the bZ3 isn't a "budget" car in the traditional sense. It's a full-sized sedan, measuring around 4.7 meters in length, with a modern digital architecture that includes a large 15.6-inch screen, a rich suite of driver-assistance systems, and even options like a panoramic roof.

Technically, the model holds its own: the base version offers a 49.9 kWh battery with a range of up to 517 km, while a more advanced variant extends that to 616 km (under the CLTC cycle). Power reaches 245 hp, making the car quite dynamic for its class.

Overall, the picture is straightforward: affordable electric vehicles already exist, but so far, only in the Chinese market, where production conditions and industry support differ drastically from Europe's.

The Toyota bZ3 serves as clear proof that cheap EVs are possible today. The real question is when—or if—such prices could become a reality for Europe.