by Toyota bZ3X: The First Export Electric Crossover
The Japanese automaker Toyota, despite previous skepticism about electric vehicles, has introduced the affordable electric crossover bZ3X. It was developed jointly with Chinese partners and has already begun to be supplied outside of China. The first country of export was Ethiopia, where the car’s price starts at 6.3 million birr (approximately $48,000).
The main reason for such a high cost is taxes: a 35% customs duty, up to 30% excise tax, 15% VAT, an additional 10% tax, and a 3% withholding. Because of this, the bZ3X remains out of reach for most Ethiopian buyers, even though the electric vehicle market in the country is growing rapidly. If only 4,600 electric cars were registered at the beginning of 2023, their number has now increased to 14,000.
In China, the bZ3X is offered with three battery options: 50.03 kWh, 58.37 kWh, and 67.92 kWh. The starting price is from 104,800 yuan (approximately $14,500) including subsidies.
Despite the affordable price, the crossover comes with rich features: a large multimedia screen, a digital instrument panel, wireless charging, and an 11-speaker Yamaha audio system. In addition to the bZ3X, Toyota is preparing to launch other affordable electric vehicles, such as the bZ5 and bZ7, which could compete with the Tesla Model Y.
Despite the limited charging infrastructure in Ethiopia, the government plans to install 3,000 charging stations by 2030. This could contribute to the further growth of electric vehicle popularity in the region. It is not yet known which other countries Toyota plans to supply the bZ3X to, but there is potential for success, especially in Asia and Oceania.
