Developed in a joint venture with GAC, the 5.1-meter-long model reflects a change in the manufacturer's operational strategy in the Asian market
Toyota has booked more than 3,100 orders for the new bZ7 electric sedan during its first hour of sale in China. The model, developed and manufactured through the joint venture with GAC, consolidates an operational change in the strategy of the Japanese manufacturer, which started to scale the use of local suppliers to gain competitiveness in the largest global market for zero-emission vehicles.
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With an entry price positioned in the range of US$ 22 thousand (equivalent to about R$ 115 thousand in direct conversion), the bZ7 was planned to compete for participation in the competitive segment of large sedans. Its main opponents in sales volume are the BYD Han and the Xiaomi SU7.
To align with the requirements of the Asian market, the sedan adopts robust proportions and technical specifications focused on aerodynamic efficiency. The vehicle is 5.1 meters long and has a wheelbase of more than 3 meters. This elongated platform allows large battery modules to be placed under the floor, resulting in a declared range of up to 700 km in the Chinese CLTC test cycle.
The propulsion architecture is based on the DriveONE electrical system, designed by technology company Huawei. The car’s ecosystem is complemented by an advanced active safety package, which includes a LiDAR sensor installed in the front section of the roof. This equipment works in conjunction with the brakes and cruise control to raise the level of driving assistance (ADAS).
The initiative marks a historic turning point for Toyota. Accustomed to leading the development of hybrid powertrains internally, the brand now uses platforms and software from Chinese partners to reduce costs and the time to launch new products. There is no forecast for the arrival of the bZ7 in Brazil, but the regionalized methodology will dictate the pace of the company’s global electric line in the coming years.
