Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
#bydbladebattery #byd #toyota
In 2023, Toyota took an unprecedented step: it launched an electric sedan in China—the bZ3, priced at ~¥169,800 ($24,000)—powered by rival BYD’s Blade Battery, motor, and software. The LFP battery withstands nail penetration, resists fire, and lasts over 1.2 million km across 3,000+ charge cycles. For a company that had prided itself on in‑house manufacturing for 80 years, outsourcing the EV’s core to its biggest competitor sent shockwaves through the global auto industry.
Yet the move is more strategic than symbolic. China’s NEV market now exceeds 50% of all new car sales, and Toyota’s sales fell 15–20% in just one year, alongside VW’s. Building its own battery supply chain from scratch would take years, while BYD already ships millions of cars monthly. Toyota’s response operates on three levels:
1. A 50/50 joint venture (BYD Toyota EV Technology) where BYD provides the platform, battery, motor, and software, while Toyota contributes engineering, suspension tuning, quality control, and brand reputation.
2. Its ongoing hybrid business, generating steady profits from over 3.4 million annual sales.
3. A longer‑term bet on solid‑state batteries, with a planned launch in 2027–2028 targeting 1,000+ km range and 10‑minute charging.
This isn’t surrender—it’s a tactical pause, using external help where it’s weak while investing hybrid revenues to compete in the next technology round.
#bydbladebattery #byd #toyota
In 2023, Toyota took an unprecedented step: it launched an electric sedan in China—the bZ3, priced at ~¥169,800 ($24,000)—powered by rival BYD’s Blade Battery, motor, and software. The LFP battery withstands nail penetration, resists fire, and lasts over 1.2 million km across 3,000+ charge cycles. For a company that had prided itself on in‑house manufacturing for 80 years, outsourcing the EV’s core to its biggest competitor sent shockwaves through the global auto industry.
Yet the move is more strategic than symbolic. China’s NEV market now exceeds 50% of all new car sales, and Toyota’s sales fell 15–20% in just one year, alongside VW’s. Building its own battery supply chain from scratch would take years, while BYD already ships millions of cars monthly. Toyota’s response operates on three levels:
1. A 50/50 joint venture (BYD Toyota EV Technology) where BYD provides the platform, battery, motor, and software, while Toyota contributes engineering, suspension tuning, quality control, and brand reputation.
2. Its ongoing hybrid business, generating steady profits from over 3.4 million annual sales.
3. A longer‑term bet on solid‑state batteries, with a planned launch in 2027–2028 targeting 1,000+ km range and 10‑minute charging.
This isn’t surrender—it’s a tactical pause, using external help where it’s weak while investing hybrid revenues to compete in the next technology round.
