Toyota is making a daring move into the electric vehicle space with the all-new bZ7 sedan, which will launch in China. But wait a minute, what's different here? The bZ7, is more than an electric vehicle. It's being developed in heavy collaboration with China and using the newest Chinese technology from Huawei, Xiaomi, and Momenta, even having a Huawei-powered cockpit and Xiaomi-like integration of smart home devices. The bZ7 almost resembles a smartphone rather than a conventional car.
Now let's break down what made this new EV worth talking about; even if it is not launching in the U.S. yet.
A New Platform Made in China for China
For the first time, a joint venture was responsible in one of Toyota's subsidiaries (GAC Toyota) for the vehicle architecture and software. The bZ7 will ride on a new electric platform in the market for Chinese consumers who prefer larger vehicle space and features that put technology as the top priority.
Why this is important for U.S. readers:
- It shows Toyota is serious about localizing its EV development even if that means relinquishing getting back in control.
- The underlying platform could support future U.S.-bound models, should consumer demand follow China's preference for technology features too.
Huawei Powers Inside Tech (Yes, That Huawei!)
One of the biggest surprises around the bZ7 is that Huawei is not only adding gadgets, they are powering the entire electric system. The car utilizes:
- Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5.0 for the infotainment system.
- Kirin processor to ensure speed and responsiveness.
- A 15.6" sleek touch display that will be the control for everything; music interface, navigation interface etc.
Think of this as your Android phone experience being stretched across your entire dashboard—voice commands, smart recommendations and OTA updates!
Relatable thought: Imagine you were looking for a coffee to doughnut pitstop, and your EV recommended a short detour based on a promo at your regular coffee spot. This is the kind of tech savvy car this could be.
Xiaomi Converts Your Vehicle to a Mobile Smart Home
Xiaomi comes in as well—not with hardware but rather with its AIoT (AI plus the Internet of Things) ecosystem. You can:
- Control home AC, lights, or security system from the bZ7.
- Sync wearables or tablets, for easier log-in or customization.
- Get alerts or recommendations based on your digital habits.
While this may feel like something from the future, in many tech-loving markets, like the U.S., it's easy to appreciate that people will likely want this level of connected living in their vehicles as they do in their homes.
Momenta Adds Self-Driving Intelligence
Toyota has partnered with the Beijing-based Momenta to develop self-driving software. While they won't get to complete self-driving yet, the bZ7 will include:
- Lane-keeping improvements
- Highway cruising assist
- Real-time driver monitoring
This serves to bridge the features of standard ADAS (Toyota Safety Sense) and this new generation of self-driving.
Why This Should Matter to U.S. Buyers
While the bZ7 is being released only in China—for now—this is a template for what Toyota's upcoming EVs could look like globally. As Tesla dominates the U.S. EV marketplace, and Ford, GM, and Hyundai are making moves, Toyota's technology-driven strategy in China can potentially translate to U.S. launches sometime soon.
Toyota bZ7 Expected Specs
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Conclusion
The bZ7 from Toyota is not just another battery electric vehicle or electric car. The bZ7 serves as a statement on how the future of EVs may look when we finally get right with tech partnerships. With Huawei behind the dashboard, Xiaomi behind the home, and Momenta behind the drive, the bZ7 makes a concerted effort to marry engineering and automotive design with the next wave of smart technologies. While U.S. buyers may not see the bZ7 today, it is clear Toyota is strategically working in China with a mind towards the future to stimulate smarter and more interconnected EVs globally. If this is their young lab—forerunners for the rest of us—it is time to pay attention.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): carscoops
