"I Sold My Tesla, and I'm Going To Pick Up One Of These Toyotas And Put Thousands In My Pocket By Doing It." An Excited But Premature Comment Begs an Important Question

There's no denying that one of the biggest reasons EV sales have not attained the predicted heights they should have is that, for all practical purposes, they are mostly above the budgets of the many new car shoppers.

Sure, you can find a "lesser Tesla" to go EV; however, arguably, few have the star EV appeal of a Tesla.

Until that is, all of the Elon hate news that has EV shoppers shying away from Tesla and is even turning some Tesla owners into new EV converts.

In other words, a perfect storm is brewing where EV shoppers find a price point without a tarnished social media image by going to a traditionally reliable automaker challenging all EV makers with a $13,000 EV―the Toyota bZ3X.

A Word of Warning Before Getting Too Excited: While the price is reportedly $13,000-$20,000, that's the U.S. dollar equivalent in China. Expected U.S. pricing is estimated between $37,500 and $45,500…IF it will ever be allowed in the U.S. Even if it were allowed, the current tariff situation would make the bZ3X prohibitively expensive for many would-be first-time EV owners.

Toyota just broke that barrier. So, how did they make an electric SUV this affordable? What does this mean for Tesla? And could this be the beginning of the end for gas-powered cars, from Toyota's bold strategy to the ripple effect it is causing across the industry? We are uncovering every shocking detail, and trust me, by the end of this, you will never look at electric vehicles the same way again.

This comes from a new YouTube video recently posted by the Garage Heads channel that makes the case that Toyota has switched gears by moving forward from hybrid to electric and has "…not only entered the race. They may have just taken the lead with this move that is already shaking the entire automotive industry."

Toyota Released New $13,000 EV & Obliterated Tesla Model Y

Video Summary Highpoints You Need to Know

In case you do not have the time to watch the video, here is a summary of the pertinent points on how Toyota made this possible and what you can expect after buying their latest EV model―if it ever becomes available in the U.S. or possibly Mexico:

How is the $13,000 EV possible?

1. Collaboration with the Guangzhou automobile group―a Chinese automaker known for cost-efficient electric vehicle production.
2. Using cheaper but stronger and less maintenance-requiring lithium iron phosphate batteries over more expensive lithium-ion batteries that require expensive and limited resource metals.
3. Possessing decades of experience with manufacturing on a global scale, other automakers cannot match.
4. Toyota is actually selling the model at a loss, with the long-term goal of accelerating global EV integration by taking the lead from Tesla and BYD. But the loss will disappear with future revenue streams from connected car services, including updates and upgrades.

What Toyota EV Shoppers Could Expect

1. A cheaper EV without sacrificing quality of build or features that more expensive EVs have.
2. A full-sized sport model comparable to a Rav4.
3. 14-inch touchscreen with seamless connectivity and advanced infotainment options.
4. A behind-the-steering wheel display for easy viewing of critical driving info including features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring safety features that will be standard.
5. An interior that does suffer from the "plasticky" complaints of less expensive models.
6. There is wireless charging, multiple USB ports, a foldable armrest for comfort, and 32-color ambient lighting to personalize the interior.

Why Tesla Would Have to Bow Down to Toyota

1. Tesla's foundation is on its pricing. When Toyota EV shoppers discover that they can have what Tesla offers, but at a much lower price, Tesla is in for some real pain trying to meet the new pricing standard Toyota EVs will set.
2. EV tax breaks will no longer be an incentive to buy a Tesla.
3. Brand Image means everything when it comes to sales. Toyota is historically strong, whereas Tesla suffers incredibly from bad press and social media views.
4. Tesla's exclusive charging network is becoming a thing of the past. Toyota and other EV makers are catching up with more affordable and accessible charging networks for EV consumers.
5. Tesla's direct-to-consumer selling is no match for traditional dealership selling and services that are already well established and preferred—especially when it comes to maintenance, repairs, and parts.
6. Tesla has not just Toyota to worry about but other EV makers that have caught up and are more willing to change how production is done.

The End Result

This all comes down to that Toyota is giving EV shoppers what they want in pricing and what they desire in features and build quality.

Tesla is at a severe disadvantage: Toyota's aggressive pricing strategy is going to force every other automaker to react consumers now know that an electric vehicle does not have to cost as much as a Tesla. That means companies like Volkswagen General Motors and Ford will have to rethink their pricing strategies to stay competitive.

In short, while treating EVs like premium vehicles may have worked initially for Tesla and other makers, the market is changing and so will all other EV makers have to as well. Something Toyota believes Tesla will not be able to do and remain profitable.

Who Will Be On The Chopping Block Next?

As stated earlier, Toyota's long term goal is that of accelerating global EV integration. As such, if this Toyota EV model were available in the U.S. today we could expect that this will be the end for gasoline-only vehicles within the next two decades as more Americans would now be able to afford EVs and experience the economical benefits of going electric.

However there is a big caveat to this:

Before we celebrate the death of gasoline-powered cars, there is one critical challenge that could slow this transition because even if everyone wants an electric vehicle…where will they charge? EV infrastructure must keep up. What good is a cheap electric vehicle if there are not enough charging stations?!

Toyota hopes that once the public has come closer to embracing EVs, the government will step in and finally assemble the infrastructure needed―not just for Toyota―but for EV owners who will need convenient, easy, and affordable charging facilities. Including workplace charging stations to help meet the demand.

Should You Buy This $13,000 Electric Vehicle Right Now If You Could?

For now, the new Toyota EV is a recommended good EV for urban driving on a daily basis to and from work or to go shopping in your locale. However, if it is long-distance road trips you are primarily interested in, you will have to consider the problem of finding charging stations, which will require planning ahead before heading for the open road.

Tell Us What You Think In The Comments Section Below:

1. Are you convinced that Toyota has built the right EV for consumers meeting all needs and considerations?
2. Should Tesla be worried?
3. Are you now more willing to switch to an EV with Toyota's move into the EV market?

But more importantly:

   4. Would you be willing to petition U.S. Lawmakers to overthrow Chinese tariffs to own one, 

By the way, in light of Tesla's falling sales the company has a backup plan in China. Here is how Tesla plans to combat fierce competition in China, which you can watch in this video from the Torque News Youtube channel.

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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