Even the most affordable EVs in China struggle to stay competitively priced in other countries
June 23, 2025 at 11:56
- Toyota’s EV reaches its first export market with a shocking $48,000 starting price tag.
- Hefty taxes and fees push the bZ3X crossover well beyond reach for most local buyers.
- Toyota hasn’t revealed which other international markets will get the new bZ3X next.
Affordable electric cars are no longer just a pipe dream or limited to niche startups. Some of the biggest automakers are now stepping into the space, and the results are getting interesting. The Toyota bZ3X is a clear example that the Japanese giant, despite years of skepticism about EVs, can build a budget-friendly electric vehicle. Well, at least, with some help from its Chinese partners and manufacturing infrastructure.
One of the first markets outside of China where the bZ3X was launched is Ethiopia. It has been revealed that the electric SUV will be sold through select dealers in Addis Ababa and private importers, with prices starting at 6.3 million birr, or approximately $48,000. Local shoppers have pricey duties to blame for the bZ3X’s massive price hike.
Read: Toyota’s Cheapest EV Ever Costs $15,000, Gets 10,000 Orders In 60 Minutes
According to Birr Metrics, the new Toyota is subject to a 35 percent customs tax, an excise tax of up to 30 percent, VAT of 15 percent, a 10 percent surtax, and a 3 percent withholding tax. Talk about tax overload. Given the EV’s starting price, it’ll remain far out of reach for most new car buyers in Ethiopia.
Interestingly, the market for EVs is growing rapidly in the country. In early 2023, there were just 4,600 registered personal EVs, but this has increased to around 14,000 this year. In 2024, over 60% of newly registered cars were also EVs. This comes even though Ethiopia’s charging infrastructure remains underdeveloped, with most public chargers found in the nation’s capital. The country aims to have 3,000 charging stations operational by 2030.
Will It Be Sold Elsewhere?
Toyota has not yet announced what other markets the bZ3X will be sold in. If it can become available in regions like Europe, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, it could become quite popular, depending, of course, on its price.
In China, buyers can choose from three battery configurations: a 50.03 kWh LFP pack, a 58.37 kWh mid-range option, and a top-tier 67.92 kWh battery. These versions are labeled 430, 520, and 610 respectively. Pricing starts at 109,800 yuan (about $15,200) for the base 430 model, or as low as 104,800 yuan (around $14,500) with available subsidies. At the top of the range, the 610 Max trim goes up to 159,800 yuan (approximately $22,000).
Despite its entry-level pricing, the bZ3X doesn’t skimp on features. The cabin includes a large infotainment screen, digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charger, ambient lighting, and a standard 11-speaker Yamaha sound system. It’s well equipped for the price point.
The bZ3X is just one part of Toyota’s growing EV push in China. The company has been rolling out several surprisingly affordable models, including the bZ5 crossover aimed at the Tesla Model Y, which starts at 129,800 yuan (around $17,900). There’s also the upcoming bZ7 large sedan, expected to launch later this year at a price just north of $20,000.