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Toyota has unveiled its latest electric car concept.
Debuted at this year’s Guangzhou Auto Show, the bZ7 concept previews a large, luxury sedan that is destined to be exclusively for China.
Many details remain a mystery but the model is a joint venture between the Japanese brand and one of its Chinese partners, GAC, and it is likely to use BYD’s lithium-iron phosppahe (LFP) Blade battery and motor technology.
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Expected to be larger than the Camry and the dominant EV sedans in Australia, the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal, the bZ7 will challenge models like the BYD Han and Xiaomi SU7 in its home market, according to CarNewsChina.
Toyota sells just the bZ4X battery electric car in Japan, Australia and global markets, it is forging ahead with BEVs in China. Following the bZ3X small SUV and bZ3 sedan, the brand will soon launch the C-HR-like bZ3C in China.
The China-market EVs all have a similar, familial face with thin wrap-around LED lighting features and sleek profiles. The bZ3 has elements of Tesla Model S at the front, a bit of Mirai at the rear and a dramatically-lined side profile.
Expect a focus on cabin technology, much bigger screens than you see in the bZ4X, plush seats and connected technology following Toyota’s recent revelations about the unique preferences of China’s new-car market.
The bZ7, internally known as the ‘630D’ project, will reportedly be produced at Toyota and GAC’s joint venture plant following a 1.588 billion yuan (A$335 million) investment from both brands in new models.
Toyota’s all-electric offerings in China have relied heavily on BYD technology, using both the LFP battery and BYD electric motors. This extends to the bZ3C, and it is highly likely that the bZ7 will follow suit.
For now, the bZ7 is expected to be all electric, however Chinese carmakers are increasingly looking to other technologies. Plug-in hybrid is popular, as are range-extender type electric vehicles, with Mazda and Changan choosing that direction for the EZ-6 sedan.
The Guangzhou motor show saw a host of new China-market models revealed not only by local car manufacturers, but Japanese marques, too, including the Nissan N7 sedan.
Toyota Australia has not committed to taking any of the electric cars sold in China.
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