Toyota bZ3X Spotted Testing RHD in Thailand — SkimNews
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- GAC-Toyota's bZ3X was spotted in RHD testing in Thailand by MZ Crazy Cars Thailand, pointing toward a global rollout of the electric SUV.
- The bZ3X launched in China in March 2025 at 109,800 yuan (~$15,500), racking up over 10,000 orders in an hour and becoming China's top-selling new energy vehicle, a position it held through August.
- The base bZ3X Air 410 is now discounted to 94,800 yuan (~$14,000), while the range-topping 610 Max costs 144,800 yuan (~$21,500), with CLTC ranges from 430 km to 610 km.
- An estimated 90% of bZ3X parts are sourced from China, including BYD batteries and Momenta's end-to-end R6 autonomous driving software used in LiDAR-equipped trims.
- Toyota is deepening its China EV strategy beyond the bZ3X: a Nikkei report says a new Lexus electric SUV will enter production at a Shanghai plant next fall, and an extended-range EV is slated for China production in Spring 2027.
Why it matters: Toyota is leveraging Chinese joint-venture expertise and supply chains — 90% of parts sourced locally, BYD batteries, Momenta software — to field a $14,000 EV, undercutting legacy competitors. An RHD Thailand launch would mark Toyota's first major attempt to export a China-developed EV globally, reshaping how affordable EVs reach emerging right-hand-drive markets.
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