Key Takeaways

• Toyota introduces six new electric vehicles (EVs), including the C-HR+ crossover aimed primarily at European markets.
• The C-HR+ features a sleek design resembling a Lexus and offers battery options of 57.7-kwh or 77-kwh.
• Updated models of the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ feature enhancements in battery capacity and towing capabilities, with availability in Europe slated for late 2025 and early 2026.

New Electric Vehicle Launches from Toyota

Toyota recently unveiled its strategy to launch six full battery electric vehicles by the end of 2026 during a brand overview in Brussels. Leading this initiative is the new C-HR+, a fully electric crossover that bears little resemblance to the hybrid C-HR. The C-HR+ features a stylish design similar to Lexus models and shares its platform with the updated Toyota bZ4X.

The C-HR+ will be available in Europe with two battery options: a 57.7-kwh and a 77-kwh pack. It offers a single-motor front-wheel drive option rated at approximately 164 horsepower, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive version boasting 338 horsepower. Toyota claims this new model is the “most emotional, dynamic crossover” in its European lineup, promising impressive performance with a 0-62 mph time of just 5.2 seconds, and a driving range of 373 miles according to European standards.

Alongside the C-HR+, Toyota showcased updated versions of the bZ4X and Lexus RZ EVs. The bZ4X will see minor upgrades for the 2026 model year, including a smaller 57.7-kwh battery for front-wheel drive variants, and a 73.1-kwh battery pack for both front and all-wheel drive. Key enhancements include an increase in power output and improved towing capacity, which now reaches up to 3,300 pounds for dual-motor versions.

The Lexus RZ lineup will also benefit from significant updates, transitioning to a 77-kwh lithium-ion battery and offering greater horsepower across the models. Advanced features such as a steer-by-wire system and an Interactive Manual Drive mode introduce innovative driving experiences, particularly in the RZ 550e F Sport, which boasts an impressive 402 horsepower.

While these models are currently aimed at the European market, Toyota plans to provide further updates in spring 2024 regarding which models might eventually roll out in North America. The expectation is that the C-HR+ could be available in North America starting in 2026.

The overarching goal for Toyota is to achieve carbon neutrality in Europe by 2035, and these new electric vehicles align with that strategy, ensuring long battery life and robust warranties that promise 70% battery retention over ten years. The rollout of these EVs is part of Toyota’s multi-faceted approach to electrification, which includes hybrids and fuel-cell technology, as the automaker works to meet evolving consumer demands for sustainable transportation.

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