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Looking for a cheap, high-tech EV? Toyota’s got you covered… if you live in China. Toyota just launched a $15k electric SUV with autonomous driving features and a 323-mile EV range. Meanwhile, in the U.S., the cheapest Toyota EV will run you nearly double that price—and won’t drive itself.

Toyota’s $15k EV is real, but not for you

The Toyota bZ3X, known locally as the Bozhi 3X, is Toyota’s cheapest EV in China. It starts at just 109,800 yuan ($15,150), while the top trim with lidar and self-driving tech costs 149,800 yuan ($20,707).

That $15k price tag makes Toyota’s EV one of the best-values on the market. It comes with an LFP battery (cheaper and more durable than standard lithium-ion packs), a Snapdragon 8155-powered infotainment system, and a Nvidia Orin X AI chip for driver assistance.

Toyota isn’t going it alone. It built this EV in partnership with GAC Group, a state-owned Chinese automaker. That partnership gives Toyota access to China’s dominant EV supply chain, which cuts costs and makes the bZ3X possible.

The result? 10,000 orders in the first hour of sales—so many that Toyota’s website crashed from traffic.

Why isn’t the U.S. getting Toyota’s $15k EV?

Americans love cheap SUVs. So why isn’t Toyota selling the $15k EV here? Several reasons.

  1. Trade restrictions: The U.S. has slapped hefty tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. The Biden administration also blocked EV tax credits for cars with Chinese battery components. Since China dominates EV battery supply chains, these restrictions make it nearly impossible to sell an EV this cheap in the U.S.
  2. Policy failures: China spent decades investing in EV production. Its government pumped billions into battery research, raw material mining, and EV infrastructure. The U.S. didn’t. Even Ford’s CEO admitted that when it came to LFP battery production, “There were no alternatives” to China.
  3. Automaker priorities: Toyota sees bigger profits in selling hybrids and high-end EVs to Americans. A $15k EV doesn’t fit into Toyota’s business model—especially without subsidies to make it profitable.

The EV America won’t get anytime soon

Toyota’s new $15k smart EV proves what’s possible: affordable electric cars with solid range and high-tech features. But thanks to trade restrictions, outdated infrastructure, and years of policy failures, this car won’t be hitting U.S. streets anytime soon.

Maybe one day America will get a budget EV that isn’t a glorified golf cart. But don’t hold your breath.

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.