Toyota said today they’re finally getting serious about its electric vehicle strategy, announcing nine new fully electric models for Europe by the end of 2026.
The Japanese automaker, long criticized for not only its cautious approach to EVs, but actively trying to dissuade buyers from going electric or running ads to slow down the adoption of zero emission mobility, is now accelerating its electric ambitions.
Today they unveiled an updated bZ4X, the all-new C-HR+, and the compact Urban Cruiser, along with a peek at what’s coming next.
Welcome to a special bonus edition of the podcast, I’m Martyn Lee, and this is EV News Daily.
Toyota’s Shifting EV Strategy
Toyota, the world’s largest automaker by sales, has maintained a more cautious approach to electric vehicles compared to many competitors, focusing instead on its mild-hybrid lineup
Toyota also run ads saying things like ‘we choose not to plug in’ and marketing their petrol-powered mild hybrids as “self-charging” which I’ve long felt with a purposeful strategy to confuse buyers.
With European EV sales jumping and new CO2 emissions regulations coming in which will fine companies for making the kind of polluting, emissions-busting mild hybris which have been so popular for Toyota, their hand is being forced into making EVs.
Conveniently, just as EU and UK regulators take a stricter stand against Toyota’s cash cows which until now have been adding to poor air quality and damaging human health, today Toyota said they will now accelerate its EV product offensive with an impressive nine electric vehicles over the next two years.
As I’ve reported recently, Toyota confirmed it’s dropping the “bZ” naming convention with a clear admition it didn’t resonate with customers.
Andrea Carlucci, Toyota’s product and marketing boss, acknowledged the u-turn and admitted the mistake by indicating names for upcoming EVs will come from “current cars” that are “familiar” to customers.
That’s common sense and something I wish more car makers would do, as the next phase of the adoption curve will reach buyers who will be reassured by long-standing nameplates.
This decision aligns with similar moves by Honda and Mercedes-Benz, which have stepped back from specialized EV branding.
The Refreshed 2026 Toyota bZ4X: Addressing Its Shortcomings
The bZ4X, Toyota’s first dedicated EV based on the e-TNGA platform, launched in 2022 to many negative reviews. Critics cited limited range, lack of battery preconditioning, questionable interior design choices, and performance that seriously lagged behind competitors.
A stop-sale due to wheel bolts coming loose further complicated its market debut.
Now, Toyota has revealed a significantly enhanced bZ4X for 2026 that addresses many of these concerns with comprehensive updates to performance, technology, and design.
Powertrain and Battery: More Options, More Power
The updated bZ4X introduces two battery options to cater to different customer needs and budgets. A new 57.7 kWh battery will be offered exclusively with front-wheel drive, while a larger 73.1 kWh battery replaces the outgoing 71.4 kWh unit and will be available in both front and all-wheel drive configurations.
The powertrain receives a substantial upgrade with new motors featuring silicon carbide semiconductors, resulting in significantly more power across all variants.
The front-wheel drive bZ4X with the smaller battery offers 167 hp (123 kW), the mid-tier model with the larger battery and front-wheel drive delivers 224 hp (165 kW), and the flagship all-wheel drive variant produces an impressive 343 hp (252 kW). This represents a substantial increase from the previous all-wheel drive model’s modest 214 hp.
Range improves, with Toyota expecting up to 573 km (356 miles) from the most efficient configuration according to the WLTP testing cycle. Although this figure will likely be lower under EPA testing for the U.S. market, it still represents a meaningful improvement over the current model’s 252-mile EPA rating.
Charging Solutions: Finally Catching Up
One of the most significant shortcomings of the original bZ4X was its charging capabilities, particularly in cold weather due to the absence of battery preconditioning. Toyota has addressed this with a new battery preconditioning function that comes standard on all models. This feature can be activated manually or automatically when navigating to a fast-charging station, ensuring optimal battery temperature for faster charging.
While DC fast charging remains capped at a relatively pedestrian 150 kW, the addition of preconditioning should make achieving these speeds more consistent, especially in colder climates. Toyota is targeting “rapid charging in approximately 30 minutes under cold conditions,” specified as -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit).
Toyota also say they’ve addressed the peaky nature of the outgoing car, in that the charge curve only briefly his the peak charge rate and then tapered very quickly. Some owners would need to charge for 60 minutes to get what will now be done in 30.
Additionally, Toyota now offers an optional 22 kW AC onboard charger (standard is 11 kW), which will significantly reduce charging times at compatible public and home charging stations. This brings the bZ4X in line with offerings from competitors who have featured higher-powered AC charging for some time.
Performance: No Longer Left Behind
With nearly 60% more power in its all-wheel drive configuration, the refreshed bZ4X transforms from an underpowered option to a competitive performer.
While Toyota hasn’t released official acceleration figures, the power increase from 214 hp to 343 hp should substantially improve the 0-60 mph time.
The all-wheel drive model also gains a significant improvement in practicality with its towing capacity doubled to 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs).
Toyota has also retuned the suspension for improved comfort and driving dynamics while implementing additional measures to reduce cabin noise and vibration. These refinements should address complaints about the previous model’s driving experience and create a more premium feel appropriate for the vehicle’s price point.
Interior: Completely Redesigned for Better Usability
Perhaps the most dramatic updates come to the interior, which has been completely redesigned to address numerous criticisms of the original model. The strange dashboard layout with wasted space and awkward ergonomics has been replaced with a more conventional and user-friendly design.
A new 14-inch touchscreen now comes standard and incorporates physical knobs for climate control and volume, addressing a significant usability complaint with the previous model. The instrument panel has also been redesigned, likely replacing the oddly positioned gauge cluster that some reviewers found difficult to see clearly.
The center console has been completely reworked, featuring matte finishes instead of fingerprint-prone glossy surfaces and exposed wireless phone chargers rather than the previous covered compartment that tended to overheat devices. These practical improvements demonstrate that Toyota has actively responded to user feedback about the original design’s shortcomings.
Exterior: Subtle Refinements
While the exterior changes are less dramatic than the interior overhaul, Toyota has revised the front end for a sleeker, more elegant appearance with improved aerodynamics. The overall design remains recognizable as a bZ4X, maintaining the model’s distinctive SUV presence while refining its details.
The All-New Toyota C-HR+: A Sleeker Electric Alternative
While the bZ4X updates are substantial, perhaps more intriguing is the introduction of the all-new C-HR+, an electric-only model that shares a platform with the bZ4X but offers a more stylish, coupe-like design that may appeal to different buyers.
Powertrain and Performance: Sharing Technology, Distinct Character
The C-HR+ utilizes the same electric powertrain technology as the refreshed bZ4X, offering two battery options (57.7 kWh and 77 kWh) and similar motor configurations. The all-wheel drive version with dual motors produces 338 hp and delivers impressive performance with a 0-62 mph time of just 5.2 seconds.
Range figures are impressive, with Toyota claiming up to 600 km (373 miles) on the WLTP cycle for the most efficient configuration. This gives the C-HR+ a slight edge over competitors like the Skoda Elroq (360-mile range) and Kia EV3 (372-mile range).
Design and Practicality
While inspired by the hybrid C-HR, the C-HR+ is a completely different vehicle that doesn’t share components with its namesake. At 4.5 meters (178 inches) long, it’s about six inches shorter than the bZ4X, positioning it firmly in the competitive C-segment crossover market.
The exterior design is sleeker and more sophisticated than the bZ4X, with a coupe-like roofline and hidden rear door handles that create a more premium appearance.
Some reviewers have noted it looks more like a Lexus than a Toyota, suggesting the company is elevating its design language for electric models.
Inside, the C-HR+ offers a 14-inch touchscreen, ambient lighting, dual wireless chargers, and a panoramic roof.
Pricing is expected to start below £40,000 in the UK, with first deliveries anticipated in early 2026. Like all Toyotas, the C-HR+ will benefit from the company’s 10-year/650,000-mile warranty.
The Compact Urban Cruiser: Entry-Level EV
Completing Toyota’s initial EV trio is the Urban Cruiser, an all-new compact SUV developed from the Urban SUV Concept presented in 2023. This B-segment model features offers two battery pack options (49 kWh and 61 kWh) using lithium-iron phosphate technology,
Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with the dual-motor AWD version delivering up to 184 horsepower and including features like Trail Mode and Downhill Assist Control for light off-road capability.
Despite its compact exterior, the Urban Cruiser maximizes interior space with a slide-adjustable rear seat system that provides generous legroom comparable to larger competitors. The technology package is comprehensive, featuring both a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Beyond 2025: Toyota’s Electric Future
Looking further ahead, Toyota has teased three additional electric models coming by the end of 2026: a pickup truck (possibly an electric Hilux), a larger SUV likely based on the Land Cruiser Se concept shown in 2023, and another crossover.
These vehicles will target “lifestyle” customers according to European CEO Yoshihiro Nakata.
Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus is also aggressively expanding its electric lineup, with the updated RZ offering three distinct powertrain options ranging from 221 hp to 402 hp in the RZ 550e F Sport model.
Uniquely, the RZ offers an “Interactive Manual Drive” system with paddle shifters that simulate gearshifts by altering throttle response and regenerative braking—similar to Hyundai’s N E-Shift in the Ioniq 5 N.
The Verdict
Toyota’s admission that they were getting left behind in the world of EVs represents a significant shift for the world’s largest automaker.
While maintaining its “multi-pathway” approach that includes hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells, Toyota is now committing substantial resources to battery electric vehicles, particularly for the European market where demand is strongest.
For consumers considering an electric vehicle in the next year or two, Toyota’s offerings could deserve consideration—perhaps from loyal Toyota customers who previously found the company’s electric options lacking. Or those with a short memory who have forgotten how much money Toyota spent on marketing to hold back EV progress by showing them as an inferior choice.
The company which famously uses the tagline “we choose not to plug-in” is going to have to try and pivot into somehow communicating to buyers that everything they said in recent years should be forgotten, and that they now really love plugging in. They also make good profit from their mild-hybrids so any tacit admission that their new EVs are better will signal to customers that they shouldn’t buy the cars which generate the most revenue.
For the average buyer or Toyota fan they face an easier task. But for the rest of us, Toyota remain one of the brands which don’t make many shortlists when buying your next EV.