Honda is betting on automation and artificial intelligence to transform its EV production process in China, reducing its need for floor staff by a hefty 30%. While robots haven’t yet fully replaced human workers, the tech Honda is rolling out—along with similar efforts from companies like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Dongfeng—suggests a future that might not be so bright for blue-collar workers.

The Japanese automaker recently kicked off production of the all-electric Ye P7 with local joint venture partner Guangzhou Automobile Group. The factory in Guangzhou uses automated guided vehicles, or AGVs, to move important car components throughout the factory, including heavy battery packs. Traditionally, human workers are required to transport parts throughout the factory.

Read: Honda Wants To Crack China’s EV Market With New Ye P7 Dual-Motor Crossover

In an interview with Nikkei Asia, Honda revealed that it’s also using AI to fine-tune the welding process for the Ye P7. The goal? To “reduce fixed costs as much as possible.” The company sees “electrification as an opportunity to overhaul the way we produce vehicles”—a chance to reimagine everything from the ground up.

The Ye P7 is an important vehicle for Honda. In most Western markets, the Japanese car manufacturer has lagged behind many of its competitors in releasing battery-electric vehicles that appeal to the masses. Given that China has quickly become the world’s single largest EV market, the automaker cannot afford to fall behind the competition, or else it could see its Chinese sales dry up.

Much like the S7 introduced earlier this month and built with Dongfeng, the P7 has an 89.8 kWh battery pack, and base models feature a rear motor with 268 hp. A dual-motor version is also available, boasting a combined 469 hp. Rear-wheel drive models have a quoted range of 404 miles (650 km) while the all-wheel drive version can apparently travel up to 385 miles (620 km) between charges.

China is quickly establishing itself as the global epicenter for affordable electric vehicles, and for good reason. However, most of the budget-friendly EVs have come from homegrown brands that have been able to work around the traditional constraints that have slowed down legacy automakers.

But now, even Toyota, a legacy company that’s been criticized for its sluggishness in adopting electric vehicles, is jumping into the fray with a shockingly low starting price in the Chinese market, especially considering its size and features.

See: Everything We Know About The 2026 Toyota RAV4

The vehicle in question is the bZ3X and it’s been brought to life thanks to Toyota’s joint venture with GAC. It was first presented in December, but sales of it only just started. It’s proven to be so popular that more than 10,000 orders were placed for it within an hour, causing the system to crash. Looking at what shoppers will be getting for their money, it’s easy to understand why the bZ3X is so red hot.

Pricing Details

Prices for the electric SUV start at 109,800 yuan, or roughly $15,000 at current exchange rates. Considering the compact SUV’s size and features, that’s an incredibly competitive price. For context, the GAC Toyota Highlander, similar to the one sold in North America, starts at 284,800 yuan ($39,300), while the Camry starts at 171,800 yuan ($23,700).

At that price, you’re getting the base version of the bZ3X, called the 430 Air. It comes with a 50.03 kWh LFP battery pack. While that’s on the smaller side for an SUV of this size, Toyota claims it’s good for 267 miles (430 km) of range on the CTLC cycle. However, since China’s testing cycle tends to be extremely generous, the real-world range will likely be closer to 250 miles (402 km). If you’re looking for a bit more equipment, there’s also a slightly upgraded 430 Air+ version available, starting at 119,800 yuan (~$16,500).

Toyota will also offer the bZ3X in 520 Pro (¥120,980 / ~$16,700) and 520 Pro+ (¥139,800 / ~$19,300) guises, both of which use a larger 58.37 kWh battery and have a quoted range of 323 miles (520 km). All 430 and 520 models feature a single 204 hp electric motor. The version offering the most range is the 610 Max, rocking a 67.92 kWh pack and good for 379 miles (610 km) on a charge. It also has a more powerful 224 hp motor. It starts at ¥159,800 (~$22,000)

Two versions of the 520 Pro offering advanced driver-assistance systems have also been announced, priced at ¥149,800 (~$20,700) and ¥159,800 (~$22,000), respectively. These models include 11 cameras, 12 ultrasonic radars, 3mm wave radars, and one LiDAR, all powered by the Nvidia Drive AGX Orin X.

The cabin of the bZ3X certainly isn’t super-luxurious as far as Chinese-built EVs go, but it does look decent. It features a 14.6-inch infotainment display, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, and an 11-speaker Yamaha audio system, all fitted as standard.

The SUV itself measures 4,600 mm (181.1 inches) in length, 1,875 mm (73.8 inches) in width, and 1,645 mm (64.7 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm (108.8 inches), meaning it’s roughly the same size as a RAV4 It weighs in at 1,835 kg (4,045 lbs), which is fairly typical for this type of electric vehicle.

Toyota’s latest EV measures 4,600 mm (181.1 inches) in length, 1,875 mm (73.8 inches) in width, and 1,645 mm (64.7 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm (108.8 inches). It tips the scales at 1,835 kg (4,045 lbs).

When the GAC Aion UT was officially unveiled last November, expectations were modest, if not downright skeptical. After all, it’s entering a crowded market where established players like BYD and MG have already set the bar for affordable EVs. But surprise, surprise: not only is the Aion UT here, but it’s also cheaper than we thought.

Originally pegged to start around $13,800 in China, this little electric contender can now be had for as low as ¥69,800 (about $9,600 at current exchange rates), with the top-spec model ringing in at ¥101,800 (~$14,000). If you’re keeping track, that’s well below the price of many used cars, let alone a brand-new EV.

Read: GAC Aion S Black Dragon Max Is A Fast & Furious EV Straight From The 2000s

Given the car’s low price, one may expect it to be void of any creature comforts, offer no performance, and have a very limited range. But as Chinese automakers have consistently shown in recent years, they’ve mastered the art of packing affordable EVs with decent range and technology features. In the case of the Aion UT, it will be offered with 34.8 kWh and 44 kWh battery packs, the latter of which is offered in 44.257 kWh, 44.12 kWh, and 44.133 kWh configurations.

GAC claims the car can cover up to 205 miles (330 km) on a single charge in base trim and up to 260 miles (420 km) in the flagship version. While China’s testing cycle tends to be quite generous, to say the least, GAC cites a combined consumption rate of 11.4 kWh/100 km. The battery packs charge from 30% to 80% in as little as 24 minutes, and power is supplied by a 134-hp electric motor.

The design of the Aion UT could be best described as cute. It’s available in a range of vibrant colors paired with contrasting white roofs, giving it a playful, almost cheerful vibe. The front end features soft, rounded headlights with integrated LED DRLs, plus four extra LED driving lights on the bumper—reminiscent of those old Kia Cerato models that tried too hard but kind of nailed it. The base version comes with 16-inch wheels, though higher-spec trims will step up to 17-inch alloys.

The cabin is impressively equipped, considering the car’s price point. All Aion UT models come standard with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch infotainment screen, and a voice assistant. It also includes Level 2 driver-assistance capabilities, in-built WiFi, a panoramic sunroof, and supports over-the-air software updates.