FAW Toyota launched the Toyota IZAO EV this week, at the same time as the combustion model. The Toyota IZAO EV is a rebadged Toyota C-HR EV, which will be available under the GAC Toyota brand label. The subsidized price range of the FAW Toyota IZAO starts at RMB225,800.

The IZOA is based on Toyota’s new TNGA architecture and has a maximum power of 150kW and a 400km (250 miles) range as measured on the NEDC test cycle. The range and battery spec of the IZAO disappoints when compared against its competitors. The compact SUVs battery has an energy density of only 131 Wh/kg, compared to its peers, all of whom have battery specifications closer to 160Wh/kg. Does this reflect Toyota’s limited EV track record? Or is it since the IZAO is only available as an EV in China, and therefore can be seen as a compliance vehicle.

To identify the car as an electric FAW Toyota placed the EV logo to the closed grille. The interior design is similar to overseas models. The low- and mid-range models are equipped with a 7-inch LCD instrument panel and the high-end model with a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel. In terms of functionality, the IZAO EV has automatic parking and an electronic handbrake. The infotainment system is equipped with Baidu CarLife.