Toyota’s cheap Chinese-made bZ3X EV spotted in right-hand-drive testing, hinting at wider launch

The useful part

Toyota's $15,000 Chinese EV spotted overseas in RHD [Images] Skip to main content Toyota Toyota's popular $15,000 Chinese EV spotted testing overseas in RHD [Images] Peter Johnson | Sep 22 2026. 11:10 am PT 3 Comments The bZ3X is the best-selling EV produced by a joint venture in China. A right-hand drive version was spotted testing overseas, suggesting Toyota will bring the popular electric SUV to global markets.

How it works

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• After the bZ3X went on sale in March 2025, the electric SUV became an instant hit.
• Toyota's joint venture, GAC-Toyota, which produces and sells it, claimed the bZ3X was "so popular that the server crashed," securing over 10,000 orders in an hour.
• scroll for more content Toyota's joint venture announced that the bZ3X was again China's top-selling new energy vehicle last month, holding the top spot through August.
• After the bZ3X was spotted in Thailand testing as an RHD model, all signs point to a global launch soon.

What to take from it

While Toyota's joint venture currently builds the bZ3X in China, it could build the global or RHD version in Thailand. Toyota bZ3X electric SUV (Source: GAC Toyota) The base bZ3X Air 410 is currently available, starting at 94,800 yuan ($14,000), while the range-topping 610 Max costs 144,800 yuan ($21,500). Inside, the electric SUV provides "a mobile space that is comfortable as home," Toyota said, with front and rear seats that can fold down to provide nearly 10 feet (3 meters) of space.

Example or evidence

• Most recently, it reported that Toyota will build its first extended-range EV in China, with production set to begin in Spring 2027.
• The setup includes a 14.6″ infotainment screen with voice recognition and an 8.8″ driver display.
• Higher-priced trims with LiDAR feature an advanced smart driving system powered by Momenta's end-to-end R6 reinforced learning model with high-speed navigation assistance and all-scenario intelligent parking.
• Measuring 4,645 mm in length, 1,885 mm in width, and 1,625 mm in height, the bZ3X is about the same size as a Toyota RAV4 or Volkswagen ID.4.

Details worth keeping

The bZ3X is Toyota's "first 100,000 yuan-level pure electric SUV" in China, with prices typically starting at 109,800 yuan (15,500) Although it was initially a "limited-time" promotion, GAC-Toyota has been discounting the bZ3X, with the base model starting at just 94,800 yuan, or just over $14,000. If and when the RHD variant goes on sale remains up in the air. Electrek's Take Toyota, like most legacy automakers at this point, is increasingly relying on Chinese batteries, platforms, software, and other vehicle components to compete.

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