Trystan Casey
Toyota has been criticised for its reluctance to embrace the shift to 100% electric vehicles. However, the company has been developing electric vehicles, and its electrified vehicle lineup is continuously evolving, introducing new models and features regularly. Toyota's current electric vehicle offerings include the bZ4X, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, the Corolla Hybrid, and the Highlander Hybrid. The company has also teased several upcoming electric vehicles, including an updated bZ4X, the Urban Cruiser, the C-HR+, an electric SUV, an electric Land Cruiser, and an electric pickup truck. While Toyota's chairman, Akio Toyoda, has expressed scepticism about the future of electric vehicles, the company seems committed to electrification, aiming for 50% of its total US sales to be electrified in 2025 and planning to deliver 1.5 million EVs by 2026.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current electric vehicles | bZ4X, Prius Plug-in Hybrid, RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, Corolla Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, Camry, Mirai |
| Upcoming electric vehicles | Urban Cruiser, C-HR+, SUV, Land Cruiser, Pickup Truck, Lexus |
| Hybrid electric vehicles | RAV4 Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, Camry, Corolla, 1794 Edition Hybrid CrewMax, Sequoia |
| Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles | Prius Plug-in Hybrid, RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, Corolla Hybrid |
| Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles | Mirai |
| Solid-state batteries | In development |
| Electric vehicle sales | bZ4X sales up nearly 100% in the US in 2024 |
| Electric vehicle market share | 10% in the US in 2024 |
| Electric vehicle charging | Level 3 fast charging (30-60 minutes), Level 1 home charging (8-20 hours) |
| Electric vehicle incentives | Federal and state incentives, lower maintenance costs, reduced fuel expenses |
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What You'll Learn
Toyota's current electric vehicle models
Toyota has been criticised for its reluctance to embrace 100% electric vehicles. Instead, the company has focused on hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Despite this, Toyota does offer a range of electrified vehicles, including:
BZ4X Limited AWD
This SUV features a panoramic roof and intuitive technologies, such as a rear spoiler, to enhance the driving experience.
RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
The RAV4 is an efficient and dynamic SUV with all-wheel drive and 302 horsepower. It offers a boost in power and performance, making it suitable for off-road adventures.
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
The Prius has an EPA-estimated all-electric driving range of up to 44 miles, offering efficiency for daily commutes. It combines driving excitement with fuel efficiency and modern appeal.
Corolla Hybrid
The Corolla Hybrid offers increased horsepower and torque while maintaining fuel efficiency and reliability.
Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid has an EPA-estimated combined mpg rating of up to 35, allowing for long adventures with multiple drive modes.
Camry Hybrid
The Camry features an all-hybrid powertrain with up to 232 net combined horsepower and available all-wheel drive. It has an EPA-estimated combined mpg rating of up to 51.
Toyota is also developing the Mirai, a rear-wheel-drive vehicle that runs on hydrogen and offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 402 miles.
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Toyota's future electric vehicle models
Toyota has been criticised for being slow to embrace battery-powered cars, with investors and environmental groups claiming that the company has lost ground to competitors like Tesla Inc. However, Toyota has countered that electric vehicles are just one option for customers, and that gasoline-electric hybrids are a more realistic choice for some markets and drivers. In fact, Toyota has been in the spotlight for rebelling against the shift to 100% electric, focusing instead on a multi-pronged strategy that includes hybrids, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and exploring other options like solid-state batteries.
Despite this, Toyota has plans to launch 10 new battery EV models by 2026. The company's Chief Executive, Koji Sato, has stated that they will expand their lineup in the battery-electric category, while also affirming that hybrids will remain an important pillar. This expansion into the battery-electric market is in response to the growing demand for EVs and the expectation that they will make up more than half of total worldwide vehicle production by 2030.
Toyota's first battery-electric model, the bZ4X, was released in 2025. The bZ4X offers two different battery capacities (57.7 and 77 kWh gross capacity) and drivetrains with power output between 167 and 343 DIN hp. In 2024, sales of the bZ4X increased by nearly 100% in the US alone, and it became Norway's best-selling car. Toyota also plans to launch the Urban Cruiser and an updated C-HR+ C-SUV model in 2025.
In addition to these models, Toyota has showcased the Land Cruiser Se concept at the Japan Mobility Show in 2023, exploring how a BEV powertrain might be applied to its iconic Land Cruiser model. The company has also previewed advanced batteries and next-generation BEV technologies that will be rolled out in the future.
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Toyota's stance on electric vehicles
Toyota has been criticised for its reluctance to embrace the shift to 100% electric vehicles. The company has been vocal about its focus on hydrogen fuel cells and hybrids, and its former CEO, Akio Toyoda, has expressed scepticism about the future of EVs, stating that they will only ever account for a maximum of 30% of the market. However, Toyota has introduced several electric vehicles, including the bZ4X, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and the company intends to deliver 1.5 million EVs by 2026.
Akio Toyoda, the former CEO and current chairman of Toyota, has been particularly outspoken about his beliefs regarding electric vehicles. He has stated that battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are not the final answer to reducing emissions and that customers, rather than regulations or politics, should dictate the path forward. Toyoda predicts that sales of fully electric vehicles will remain at 30% of the market, while other models, such as hybrids, will make up the remaining 70%.
Despite its initial hesitancy, Toyota appears to be increasingly embracing electric vehicles. In early 2023, Koji Sato replaced Toyoda as CEO and has since advanced the company's electrification strategy. Toyota plans to introduce at least three more EVs by the end of 2026, including an SUV, an electric Land Cruiser, and a pickup truck. The company has also expressed its commitment to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and its intention to meet the growing demand for electrification.
Toyota's hybrid vehicles have been well-received by customers, particularly in the United States, where they accounted for a significant portion of the company's sales in 2025. However, there is a growing demand for EVs, and Toyota is recognising the need to compete in this market. The company's electric vehicles are gaining traction, with sales of the bZ4X increasing by nearly 100% in the US in 2024. As the EV market continues to evolve, Toyota is adapting its strategy to stay competitive and meet the needs and preferences of its customers.
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Toyota's electric vehicle charging options
Toyota offers a range of electrified vehicles, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell, and all-electric vehicles. The company has been criticised for its cautious approach to embracing 100% electric vehicles, with a focus on hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells. However, Toyota has introduced several electric vehicles, such as the bZ4X, and provides various charging options for its customers.
Charging Options for Toyota Electric Vehicles:
Home Charging:
Toyota recommends charging electric vehicles at home with Level 1 or Level 2 charging solutions. Level 1 charging cables are typically included with the vehicle, plugging directly into a standard wall outlet. While convenient and portable, Level 1 charging is the slowest option, taking days to fully charge an electric vehicle. Level 2 charging provides a faster alternative for home charging.
Public Charging Stations:
Toyota electric vehicles can also be charged at public charging stations, which offer Level 2 and Level 3 charging options. Toyota has partnered with ChargePoint and EVgo to provide customers with access to a wide network of public charging stations. Customers who purchased or leased a 2023 Toyota bZ4X received a year of unlimited complimentary charging at EVgo stations nationwide.
Charging Speed and Performance:
Toyota has recognised the importance of faster charging and has introduced enhancements to its battery-electric bZ4X model, offering a dual-battery option and a new battery pre-conditioning function to improve charging performance. The company also offers a Battery Care Program that guarantees the retention of at least 70% of the battery's capacity for up to 10 years, subject to certain conditions.
Toyota is committed to providing a range of electrified vehicle options and is working to improve the charging experience for its customers, both at home and on the go. The company's electric vehicles, combined with the available charging options, offer a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional gas-powered cars.
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Toyota's electric vehicle sales
Toyota has been criticised for its reluctance to embrace a shift to 100% electric vehicles. Instead, the company has focused on hybrid electric vehicles, which run on a combination of gas and battery-powered electric motors. In 2023, Toyota sold approximately 3.68 million electrified vehicles worldwide, a 35% increase from the previous year. Asia, including China, was the region with the most unit sales, with around 923,000 electrified Toyotas sold.
Toyota's hybrid electric vehicles include the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, which has an EPA-estimated all-electric driving range of 44 miles, and the Corolla Hybrid, which offers increased horsepower and torque without sacrificing reliability and efficiency. The RAV4 Hybrid is another example, designed for off-road adventures with its Electronic On Demand All-Wheel Drive and 219 combined net horsepower.
Toyota also offers Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, which can run solely on electric power for longer distances thanks to their larger battery packs. When the battery charge is depleted, these vehicles can continue as regular Hybrid EVs, using a combination of gas and energy stored in the battery system. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid and the Highlander Hybrid are examples of these vehicles, offering increased power and performance for various driving conditions.
Toyota has also expressed interest in other technologies, such as solid-state batteries, and continues to explore options like hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. While the company may be taking a cautious approach to fully electric vehicles, it is committed to providing customers with electrified options, as evidenced by the increasing sales of its electrified models worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Toyota has been criticised for rebelling against the shift to 100% electric vehicles. However, the company has said it is prepared to comply with legislation prohibiting sales of gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035 and wants to deliver 1.5 million EVs by 2026. Toyota's CEO has also stated that the company is committed to and passionate about battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).
Toyota offers a diverse range of powertrains, including Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCVs).
Charging times vary based on factors like battery size, current charge level, and charging method. Level 3 fast charging typically takes 30-60 minutes, while standard home charging (Level 1) can take between 8 and 20 hours.
Toyota's electric vehicles offer reduced maintenance and fuel expenses, with studies showing up to 60% annual savings on fuel. They also contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and provide smooth acceleration, instant torque delivery, and a quiet drive.
