What is the cheapest Toyota electric car?

The cheapest Toyota electric car widely available in the United States is the bZ4X, with a starting price around $42,000 before incentives. Globally, pricing and models vary, with China offering a cheaper option in its bZ3 lineup that targets a lower price point.

Prices and availability change with incentives, trims, and local regulations. Below is a market-by-market snapshot to help readers understand where the least expensive Toyota BEV sits in different regions, followed by more detail on each market.

Market snapshot: entry-level Toyota BEVs by market

Here is a quick summary of current entry-level Toyota BEVs by region and their approximate starting prices. Note that exact figures depend on trim level, destination charges, and local incentives.

• United States: bZ4X, starting around $42,000 before incentives.


• China: bZ3, a more affordable BEV designed for the Chinese market, priced in the low-to-mid 100,000 yuan range depending on trim and subsidy.


• Europe: bZ4X is sold in several markets with regional pricing typically in the low-to-mid tens of thousands of euros before incentives.

Prices vary by country and promotional timing, so buyers should verify current listings with local Toyota dealers or official regional sites.

United States details

In the U.S., Toyota's dedicated electric SUV is the bZ4X. It launched as the brand’s first BEV designed from the ground up for the North American market, offered in multiple trims with front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. The starting price hovered around $42,000 before destination charges and incentives, with federal and state programs potentially reducing the effective cost for eligible buyers. Availability and incentives can shift with policy changes and supply dynamics.

China details

China represents a different pricing dynamic for Toyota, featuring the bZ3 as a more affordable BEV option developed through local partnerships. The bZ3 is positioned as an entry-level model and is priced at a lower point than the U.S. bZ4X, reflecting local subsidies, churn, and competition within the Chinese market. Buyers there typically see a significantly lower sticker price compared with Western markets, though final cost depends on trim and government incentives.

Europe details

In Europe, Toyota’s BEV offerings include the bZ4X across several countries, with pricing that varies by nation due to value-added tax, incentives, and local fees. European pricing generally falls into a higher bracket than the China entry model, and incentives can meaningfully reduce the on-the-road cost in many markets. Prospective buyers should check their country’s official Toyota site for current pricing and available grants.

Summary

The answer to “which is Toyota’s cheapest electric car?” depends on where you are. In the United States, the bZ4X serves as the entry point and is typically the cheapest Toyota BEV sold there, starting around $42,000 before incentives. In China, the bZ3 offers a lower-priced alternative within Toyota’s BEV lineup, reflecting local market conditions and subsidies. Across regions, price is shaped by trims, incentives, imports, and regulatory rules, so the cheapest option for a given buyer can change with policy and promotions. Buyers should compare regional offers, available incentives, and total ownership costs to determine the best value.

How much is the cheapest Toyota electric car?

The cheapest Toyota electric car is the Toyota bZ3X, which is currently sold in China and starts at approximately $15,000$ 15 comma 000$15,000. For the US market, the cheapest current model is the entry-level bZ4X, which has a starting price of around $36,350$ 36 comma 350$36,350 for the 2026 model year, a recent reduction from its previous price. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the pricing and features of the Toyota bZ4X: 1mThe Electric VikingYouTube · Aug 26, 2025
China-specific model

• Toyota bZ3X: This is Toyota's most affordable EV, with a starting price of about $15,000$ 15 comma 000$15,000 in China. 
• It is a compact SUV and has generated significant order numbers since its launch. 
• It is unlikely to be sold in the US market. 

United States model

• 2026 Toyota bZ4X: The entry-level front-wheel-drive bZ4X is the most affordable Toyota EV available in the U.S.
• The starting price for the 2026 model year has been reduced to about $36,350$ 36 comma 350$36,350.
• This price reduction is for the base model, which comes with a smaller battery pack and reduced horsepower compared to higher trims. 

This video discusses the Toyota bZ3X and its features: 40sFresh DiscoveryYouTube · Sep 6, 2025

Why is the bZ4X not selling?

The Toyota bZ4X hasn't sold well due to a combination of factors, including a major recall for potential wheel detachment, limited driving range, slower-than-average charging speeds, and a design and price that failed to stand out against competitors. While aggressive lease incentives did boost sales significantly in 2024, the vehicle has faced a steep sales decline in 2025 due to these ongoing issues. Toyota is addressing some of these concerns in its 2026 update.
 
This video explains Toyota's financial struggles with the bZ4X model: 57sEVPediaYouTube · Jan 13, 2025
Reasons for poor sales

• Major recalls: A critical safety recall occurred where wheels could fall off, forcing Toyota to halt sales and buy back vehicles, which severely damaged consumer confidence. Another recall involved a faulty defroster. 
• Limited range and charging: Competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5 offer more competitive range, and the bZ4X's DC fast-charging capabilities were flagged as slow and road-trip unfriendly. 
• Uncompetitive pricing and design: Even after price cuts, the bZ4X was seen by some as too expensive for its performance and features. Its design was also considered bland compared to competitors. 
• Brand perception: Toyota's history of promoting hybrid vehicles and being critical of a full EV transition has made some consumers skeptical of their commitment to the EV market. 

How Toyota plans to address the issues

• Updated model: Toyota is releasing an updated 2026 model to address complaints.
• Improved range: The new model offers a significantly improved driving range of up to 314 miles, a 25% increase over the 2025 model.
• New EV models: Toyota is also slated to release new electric models like the C-HR and BZ Woodland in 2026. 

This video explains Toyota's financial struggles with the bZ4X model: 1mThe Electric VikingYouTube · Oct 8, 2025

Does the Toyota bZ4X qualify for the $7500 tax credit?

Toyota does qualify for the EV tax credit if you lease a bZ4X instead of buying it. Additional vehicle requirements include: A battery capacity of at least 7 kilowatt hours. A gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds.

Does Toyota have a $13,000 electric car?

But this $13,000 SUV from Toyota changes that mindset. This car is perfect for everyday commutes. Whether you're commuting to work in the city or heading out on a weekend getaway.