About Toyota Electric Vehicles

It’s widely agreed that Toyota’s 1997 release in Japan of the Prius — the world’s first mass-produced gas/electric hybrid car — was among the most significant turning points along the road to widespread vehicle electrification. The Prius was released worldwide in 2000 and has since dominated the hybrid car market, offering many motorists a stepping-stone between electric and combustion cars amidst rising gasoline prices and growing concern over carbon pollution.

Milestones that followed included the debut of Toyota’s breakthrough hybrid technology, Hybrid Synergy Drive, in the 2004 Prius, followed by the introduction of a hybrid option for the Toyota Highlander in 2005. In 2007, the company introduced the world’s first V8 hybrid, the Lexus LS 600h.

The Prius’ early rollout and sales success over the last couple decades — thanks mainly to its incredible efficiency and relatively low price — made Toyota a leader in hybrids. However, the carmaker lagged behind its competitors when it comes to production of EVs.

For roughly 20 years, Toyota believed that its gasoline hybrids would be the best and most practical way to cut vehicle emissions, until more efficient hydrogen fuel-cell cars became a viable option sometime around 2030. But within the past few years, rapid EV development and adoption has encouraged the carmaker to adjust its course.

While Toyota was forced to play a little bit of catch-up, it has big plans to close the gap. In December 2021, the company revealed its complete lineup of upcoming electric cars, including 15 EVs ranging from a small SUV to a midsize family sedan and even a flagship electric supercar.

Toyota has promised 30 EVs by 2030, a figure that includes the brand’s passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as premium offerings from Lexus. The company aims to sell 3.5 million EVs annually by the end of the decade, which is roughly 1.5 million more than Toyota manages today. As a result, EVs will make up a larger percentage of the brand’s total 10 million annual vehicle sales.

As part of the announcement, Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda pledged a whopping $70 billion toward electrification, of which $35 billion will be spent on battery-electric vehicles alone.

While Toyota offers a total of 14 HEVs, it currently has only two PHEVs and one all-electric model. Here’s what to know about the latest electric Toyota models (base trims as of Q4 2022):

bZ4X – The all-electric bZ4X is the first Toyota vehicle to utilize the new e-TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform. Made specifically for Toyota EVs, this structure allows for more space in the cabin and provides a solid foundation for outstanding driving performance, ride comfort and stability. Front-wheel-drive models use one electric motor to produce 201 hp with 196 lb.-ft. of max torque, while all-wheel-drive models harness two electric motors to deliver 214 hp with 248 lb.-ft. of max torque to both axles combined. The bZ4X boasts an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 252 miles for front-wheel-drive models and up to 228 miles for all-wheel-drive models. It is available in XLE and Limited models.

bZ4X

Base Price

$42,000

Range

252 miles

Seats

Five

Cargo Capacity

27.7 cu. ft.

Base Drive

FWD

Toyota bz4x

Prius Prime – The plug-in hybrid Prius Prime features a dual motor drive system that provides a boost in acceleration feel, enhanced efficiency and the added benefit of EV Mode at full highway speeds. Offered in LE, XLE and Limited grades, the Prius Prime takes the five-door compact hatchback format of the Prius, makes some design tweaks, and pushes the total possible distance on a full tank and a full battery to an impressive 640 miles.

Prius Prime

Base Price

$28,770

Range

640 miles (25 all-electric)

Seats

Five

Cargo Capacity

19.8 cu. ft.

Base Drive

FWD

Toyota Prius Prime

RAV4 Prime – The plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime is Toyota’s most powerful RAV4 yet, with a 302 combined net horsepower and a 5.7-second 0-60 time. Available in SE and XSE models, it provides agility while still delivering a smooth, comfortable ride. With its standard 6.6kW onboard charger, RAV4 Prime’s battery can be charged in approximately 2.5 hours.

RAV4 Prime

Base Price

$41,590

Range

600 miles (42 all-electric)

Seats

Five

Cargo Capacity

33.5 cu. ft.

Base Drive

AWD

Toyota Rav4 Prime