FAW Toyota's first electric sedan hits Chinese market

Sino-Japanese FAW Toyota launched the bZ3 on Monday, marking its entry into China's competitive electric sedan market.

The model, also Toyota's first electric sedan, is available in three variants. It is made at FAW Toyota's dedicated NEV plant in China.

Like the bZ4X SUV, the model is built based on Toyota's latest e-TNGA platform.

"China is the world's largest and most advanced market for electric vehicles, and Chinese customers have the deepest understanding of such vehicles," said the joint venture.

Last year, over 25 percent of new vehicles sold in China were NEVs, including electric models and plug-in hybrids, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

The bZ3 has a range up to 616 kilometers on one charge. It can get charged from 30 percent to 80 percent in 27 minutes.

FAW Toyota said the model's batteries are expected to retain 90 percent of their original capacity after 10 years of use.

The model has a 2,880-mm wheelbase, which offers extra legroom for passengers. It is capable of voice command in Mandarin, Cantonese, English and China's Sichuan dialect.

FAW Toyota said more electric models will follow soon, including a crossover and a larger SUV.

Established in 2003, it has delivered over 10 million vehicles in China, the world's largest vehicle market.