Toyota issued a recall for 25,815 bZ3 electric vehicles in China due to inaccurate power readings, specifically regarding the remaining power estimate.
Toyota has announced a recall of tens of thousands of its bZ3 electric vehicles in China, following an issue with the estimation of remaining battery power. This problem, which causes an excessive deviation in the remaining power estimation, can potentially lead to unexpected battery drain or inaccurate driving range information for drivers.
The bZ3, a mid-sized electric sedan based on Toyota's e-TNGA architecture, is the second model in Toyota's bZ series, following the bZ4our X SUV. It began pre-sales on March 6 and officially went on sale in China on April 16. The vehicle is powered by electric motors and blade batteries supplied by BYD, and its wholesale sales in China in November were 3,065 units, up 2.17 percent from 3,000 units in October.
The recall is due to an improper program of the power battery management controller in some vehicles. While Toyota has not yet released detailed technical information about the cause of the issue, such deviations typically prompt recalls to ensure safety, performance reliability, and customer confidence, especially in fast-growing EV markets like China.
FAW Toyota, a joint venture between Toyota and a Chinese company, is responsible for the recall. The company will upgrade the control program of the battery management controller for the recalled vehicles using OTA (over the air) technology, free of charge. This means that the update can be performed remotely, without the need for customers to physically bring their vehicles to a dealership.
The dimensions of the bZ3 are 4,725 mm in length, 1,835 mm in width, and 1,475 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,880 mm. The vehicle is equipped with a single rear-mounted motor across the range, available in 135 kW and 180 kW options, both with peak torque of 303 Nm.
The recall involves bZ3 vehicles produced between March 13 and November 9. This is the first recall for the bZ3 model since it went on sale in April. The bZ3 has a starting price of RMB 169,800 ($23,760) in China.
Ensuring accurate power estimates is critical for driver trust and safe vehicle operation. Toyota's prompt action in addressing this issue will likely help maintain customer confidence in the bZ3 and in Toyota's commitment to delivering reliable and high-quality electric vehicles.
[1] This sentence was added for context and to provide a clearer understanding of the importance of accurate power estimation in electric vehicles. It is not part of the original bullet points.
- The bZ3, a mid-sized electric sedan from Toyota, uses battery technology provided by BYD, and has seen an increase in sales in China.
- The recall of Toyota's bZ3 electric vehicles in China is due to an improper programming issue with the power battery management controller.
- FAW Toyota, the joint venture between Toyota and a Chinese company, is responsible for the recall and will use OTA technology to upgrade the battery management controller for the affected vehicles.
- The bZ3, operated by electric motors and powered by blade batteries, began pre-sales in March and officially went on sale in China in April.
- The battery issue in the bZ3, if not addressed, could potentially lead to unexpected battery drain or inaccurate driving range information.
- The bZ3, whose dimensions include a length of 4,725 mm, a width of 1,835 mm, and a height of 1,475 mm, comes with a single rear-mounted motor and has two power options.
- The recall of bZ3 vehicles was initiated for those produced between March 13 and November 9, marking the first recall for the model since it went on sale.
- The bZ3 has a starting price of RMB 169,800 ($23,760) in China and is the second model in Toyota's bZ series, following the bZ4our X SUV.
- Accurate power estimation is essential for driver trust and safe vehicle operation, and Toyota's prompt response to address this issue will aid in maintaining customer confidence in the automotive industry, particularly in the fast-growing electric vehicle market in China.
