Ethiopia is one of the first markets outside China to welcome the Toyota bZ3X. The vehicle will be available through select dealerships and private importers, starting at 6.3 million birr, equivalent to approximately 48,000 USD. This price represents more than a threefold increase compared to its cost in China, primarily due to high local tax rates.
According to Birr Metrics, the electric vehicle is subject to a 35% import duty, an excise tax of up to 30%, a 15% value-added tax (VAT), a 10% surcharge, and a 3% withholding tax. This starting price makes the bZ3X largely inaccessible to most new car buyers in Ethiopia.
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Toyota bZ3X electric vehicle in China. Photo: topEV |
Toyota bZ3X electric vehicle in China. Photo: topEV
Ethiopia's electric vehicle market is experiencing rapid growth. At the start of 2023, there were approximately 4,600 registered private electric vehicles, a number that has increased to about 14,000 this year. In 2024, over 60% of newly registered vehicles were electric, despite the underdeveloped charging infrastructure, which is mainly concentrated in the capital. Ethiopia aims to have 3,000 operational charging stations by 2030.
Toyota has not yet announced other markets where the bZ3X will be sold. In China, buyers can choose from three battery configurations: 50.03 kWh, 58.37 kWh, and 67.92 kWh LFP batteries.
The starting price is 109,800 CNY (approximately 15,200 USD) for the 430 km range version and 104,800 CNY (around 14,500 USD) with subsidies. At the high end, the 610 Max version is priced at 159,800 CNY (approximately 22,000 USD).
Despite its affordability, the bZ3X is not lacking in features. The cabin includes a large infotainment screen, a digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, interior ambient lighting, and a standard 11-speaker Yamaha sound system.
The bZ3X is just one part of Toyota's electric vehicle push in China. The company has launched several affordable models, including the bZ5 crossover aimed at the Tesla Model Y, starting at 129,800 CNY (approximately 17,900 USD). There's also the bZ7, a large sedan expected to launch later this year with a price tag just over 20,000 USD.
My Anh
