Toyota is set to launch its first self-driving system electric car in the upcoming years. It is a significant move by Toyota to compete with leading EV tech companies like Tesla. Toyota’s joint venture GAC Toyota has recently announced its plans to unveil the first electric vehicle featuring advanced self-driving capabilities like Tesla next year in China. This development signifies Toyota’s ambitious move into the autonomous driving arena, with the aim to shorten the technology gap with regional rivals such as XPeng, BYD, and NIO.
GAC Toyota is a Joint Venture between Toyota Motor and China’s Guangzhou Automobile Group. A recent post on social media by GAC Toyota revealed that the JV will launch the Bozhi 3X SUV as the brand’s first model that incorporates self-driving technology. This is similar to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, which offers functions like autonomous road navigation, obstacle avoidance, and automated parking.
It is said that the recent cutting-edge technology development is the result of a brand’s partnership with Momenta, an autonomous vehicle startup based in Beijing. Toyota has previously invested in Momenta during its 2021 Series C financing round, underscoring the company’s commitment to advancing autonomous vehicle technology.
In addition to the Bozhi 3X, GAC Toyota is also collaborating with Huawei on integrating advanced software and hardware for the upcoming bZ3X electric sedan, which expand Toyota’s EV lineup., according to CnEVPost. The bZ3X follows the release of the bZ4X and represents a strategic effort to enhance Toyota’s presence in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.
Toyota also announced plans to introduce an iron phosphate lithium battery by 2027, aiming to reduce production costs by 40% compared to current models. This initiative highlights Toyota’s focus on making electric vehicles more affordable and competitive.
Despite declining car sales in China during the first four months of 2024, Toyota is determined to rejuvenate its brand through innovative technology and strategic partnerships. Additionally, Toyota also has plans to open its previously exclusive Lexus charging stations in Japan to other EV brands, a move to fend off competition from low-cost Chinese manufacturers like BYD.
As Toyota gears up to unveil its first fully self-driving EV, the automotive industry eagerly anticipates the impact this innovation will have on the global market and the future of autonomous vehicles.
