Toyota, a pioneer in hybrid technology, is slowly working its way into the electric vehicle (EV) market, first starting with the Prius Prime and expanding into the RAV4 Prime and its first all electric vehicle, the bZ4X. While playing catch up in comparison to its rivals like Hyundai and Ford, Toyota has plans to launch 10 new models by 2026, growing its lineup of EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). By 2030, the company plans on selling 3.5 million EVs across 30 different Toyota and Lexus models and introducing solid-state batteries in 2027, bringing recharge times to 80% down to 10 minutes.

Developed in partnership with Subaru, the bZ4X is Toyota’s first mass-produced global EV, named for bZ (beyond Zero), 4 (sized like the RAV4) and X (compact crossover). Incorporating a 71.4 kWh battery for front-wheel drive models and a 72.8 kWh battery for all-wheel drive models, the bZ4X is the first of several bZ all electric models joining the Toyota brand by 2025.

For Level 1 and Level 2 charging, the Prius Prime uses the industry standard SAE J1772 connector in North America. The charging port for both the 1^st generation Prius PHEV and the following generations of Prius Prime is located on the right rear side of the vehicle, just behind the door. Since the Prius PHEV and the Prius Prime have different size batteries, the charging times are different as demonstrated in the chart below.

Introduced for the 2020 model year, the RAV4 Prime takes Toyota’s most popular model and takes it one step above a normal hybrid. Equipped with an 18.1 kWh battery and rear mounted motor giving it standard all-wheel drive, the RAV4 Prime has become Toyota’s lead in the plug-in hybrid crossover segment, becoming one of the most popular eco-friendly adventure vehicles.