Skip to main content

Toyota to unveil first ‘full’ self driving EV next year as it chases Tesla

As it looks to close the gap with Tesla and other EV tech leaders, Toyota is set to unveil its first EV with an advanced self-driving system. Toyota’s joint venture, GAC Toyota, confirmed it’s launching an EV with Tesla Full Self Drive-like capabilities next year in China.

Toyota to release first “full” self-driving EV next year

GAC Toyota is a 50:50 joint venture between Toyota Motor and China’s Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC).

The news was announced this week on GAC Toyota’s social media as it looks to close the technology gap with rivals like Tesla, XPeng, BYD, NIO, and others in the region.

Toyota’s JV will launch the Bozhi 3X SUV next year as the first EV model to feature the self-driving tech. It will enable advanced driver-assist features like driving on roads, avoiding obstacles, and parking (similar to Tesla’s FSD).

The tech stems from a new partnership with Momenta, an autonomous vehicle startup in Beijing. Toyota was among the lead investors during Momenta’s 2021 Series C financing.

GAC Toyota is also working with Huawei to use its tech in Toyota’s bZ3X electric sedan, according to CnEVPost. The bZ3X was revealed in October 2022 as the second EV to join its lineup behind the bZ4X.

Toyota-first-self-driving-EV
GAC Toyota Bozhi 3X SUV (Source: GAC Toyota)

The new tech is unique from Huawei’s in that Momenta and Huawei will provide software and hardware while the three work together to integrate it.

Top comment by Gussy23

Liked by 3 people

Toyota should not be focusing on ADAS. It should be focusing on putting out a good, low priced BEV, first and foremost.

If Toyota were to put out a Corolla or RAV4 level hit on the BEV front, I think it would quell a great of criticism around its electrification plans. It would also likely incentivise Toyota to keep that BEV ball rolling. But maybe not.

View all comments

Toyota also revealed it plans to release an iron phosphate lithium battery by 2027 that could cut production costs by 40% (compared to the current bZ4X).

Toyota-first-self-driving-EV
Toyota bZ3 EV (Source: Toyota)

After car sales dropped 22% in China during the first four months of 2024, Toyota is looking to revamp the brand with new, more competitive tech.

Toyota is taking another page from Tesla with plans to open the previously exclusive Lexus charging stations in Japan to other EVs. The Japanese auto giant looks to fend off incoming competition from low-cost Chinese EV makers like BYD, which launched its third EV in Japan last week.

Source: Reuters, GAC Toyota

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Stay up to date with the latest content by subscribing to Electrek on Google News. You’re reading Electrek— experts who break news about Tesla, electric vehicles, and green energy, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow Electrek on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our YouTube channel for the latest reviews.

Comments

Author

Avatar for Peter Johnson Peter Johnson

Peter Johnson is covering the auto industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, financial writer, and EV enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is a significant reason he pursued a career in investments. If he isn’t telling you about his latest 10K findings, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or exercising

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications