Toyota’s popular $15,000 Chinese EV spotted testing overseas in RHD [Images]

This is a car story rather than a home energy one, but here's the gist. Toyota's joint venture in China, GAC-Toyota, makes an electric SUV called the bZ3X that has become a huge seller there, starting at around $14,000 to $15,500 depending on trim, with a top model near $21,500. It's been China's best-selling new energy vehicle for months. Spy photos taken in Thailand now show a right-hand-drive version of the bZ3X testing in disguise, which suggests Toyota may sell it in markets that drive on the left, such as Thailand, the UK, Japan, or Australia. There's no confirmed launch date or list of countries yet.

The bZ3X is built mostly with Chinese components, including batteries from BYD and driving-assistance software from Momenta, and it comes in nine configurations with driving range (measured by China's CLTC test) from about 267 to 379 miles. It's roughly the size of a Toyota RAV4 or Volkswagen ID.4, with a large interior, seats that fold flat, and big touchscreens.

None of this affects US buyers directly right now. There's no word on US pricing, availability, or any rebate program tied to this vehicle. It's simply a sign that Toyota is leaning more heavily on Chinese-built EV technology and may start selling more affordable electric SUVs outside China. Homeowners weighing an EV purchase alongside home charging or solar plans won't see this car on dealer lots yet.