Toyota Confirms C-HR+ BEV In UK Whereas US Will get Extra Hybrids

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Again in Might of this yr, Toyota dropped phrase that its new 2026 Toyota C-HR crossover BEV shall be coming to the US. The announcement appeared to mark one other turning level within the iconic automaker’s journey to full electrification. Or not, because the case could also be. Whereas Toyota UK not too long ago confirmed plans to market a souped-up C-HR+ model in Europe, the most recent information from Toyota USA is an expensive new plan to increase manufacturing of the Corolla electrical hybrid.

Extra EVs Are Crowding Tesla Out Of The European Market

The C-HR BEV has its roots in an idea SUV first launched by Toyota in 2022, when Tesla’s domination over world EV gross sales appeared invincible. Three years later, the launch of the C-HR+ in Europe comes at a fortuitous time for Toyota, inserting the corporate among the many lengthy and rising listing of EV stakeholders aiming to benefit from Tesla’s tailspin. Tesla gross sales have cratered in Europe as the corporate’s excessive profile CEO, Elon Musk, advocates for the breakup of the EU whereas additionally rewriting the historical past of World Conflict II and recasting Germany’s bloodthirsty outbreak of nationalistic, genocide-centered violence as a factor greatest forgotten.

Toyota’s UK department affirmed its dedication to launch the 2026 CHR+ final March. “The all-new Toyota C-HR+ showcases Toyota’s dedication to creating battery electrical autos (BEVs) for automobile fans, providing emotional attraction by daring design and interesting driving traits, coupled with on a regular basis practicality,” Toyota UK enthused in a press assertion.

“Constructing on the achievements of the Toyota C-HR, which has amassed multiple million gross sales in Europe by two generations, the Toyota C-HR+ goes additional as a stand-alone, all-electric mannequin,” the corporate acknowledged, emphasizing the transition to full electrification.

As reported by the UK automotive information group AutoCar on December 16, the C-HR+ will go on sale within the UK beginning January 6 for supply in March, on the beginning worth of £34,495 (about 46,568 USD), with an option-loaded Excel model accessible at £40,995 ($55,343 USD).

In the meantime, Again Right here In The US …

No phrase but on Toyota’s plans for following by on its plans for the C-HR right here within the US. I’m reaching out to the corporate for clarification, but when it does occur, it received’t be fairly just like the European model.

For the European market, the CH-R+ comes with two battery choices, a 57.7 kWh model with as much as 283 miles of vary, and a 77 kWh model with as much as 378 miles of vary.

For the US market, on Might 14 Toyota described the C-HR as a coupe-like BEV sporting a 74.7 kilowatt-hour battery with a acknowledged vary of as much as 290 miles, together with Stage 3 charging compatibility. “It is going to even have the comfort of Plug & Cost for a simplified charging expertise and be able to charging on Stage One and Stage Two AC energy sources,” Toyota added.

That was the final full, detailed press assertion from Toyota concerning its US plans, again when the $7,500 federal EV tax credit score was nonetheless in pressure. In between Might and now, the tax credit score was prematurely axed as of September 30. I’m reaching out to the corporate for clarification concerning a 2026 launch, however within the meantime the corporate has had lots to say about its expanded plans for producing hybrid EVs within the US, as outlined in a press assertion on November 18.

“Toyota’s U.S. manufacturing presence is increasing once more to fulfill rising demand for hybrid autos,” the corporate acknowledged.

“As part of Toyota’s current dedication to take a position as much as $10 billion within the U.S. over the following 5 years, the corporate pronounces a $912 million funding and 252 new jobs throughout 5 manufacturing crops to extend hybrid capability and convey hybrid-electric Corollas to its manufacturing lineup,” Toyota elaborated.

It’s A BEV World, We Will Simply Be Residing In It

Oh, effectively. Two steps ahead and all that. If Toyota does pull again on its BEV plans for the US, it is going to have firm in Ford. The legacy automaker not too long ago introduced a pointy detour in its electrification plans over to the are of plug-in-hybrids and range-extended hybrids, that means gas-fueled onboard mills to complement the battery. The startup Scout Motors, a excessive profile department of Volkswagen, additionally seems a bit wobbly. Final yr the corporate started hedging its BEV bets with a range-extended choice, and thus far the vast majority of its reservations have requested for the vary extender.

On a brighter word, newcomers Slate Auto, Telo Vans, and Faraday Future are among the many US automakers that stay absolutely dedicated to full electrification, not less than thus far. Final week Basic Motors additionally took a veiled shot at Ford’s pullback in a plain-language rationalization of the advantages of full electrification, opening with the statement that electrical autos “are Basic Motors’ ‘North Star.’”

If Toyota does come by with the C-HR BEV for the US market in 2026, it is going to present only one extra piece of proof that this yr’s U-turn in federal power coverage is headed for an additional U-turn again within the course of local weather motion, finally.

Within the meantime, exercise within the EV charging area continues to make the case for an enchancment in EV uptake within the US, if not within the coming months then over the long run. Whereas a gaggle of US states proceed to struggle for his or her fair proportion of federal funds for EV charging stations, personal stakeholders have been taking issues into their very own arms.

Among the many newest developments, on December 22 the US agency Common EV Chargers recapped its exercise for the yr. The corporate racked up 320 new DC quick charging ports amongst 85 charging stations at resorts, fuel stations, and comfort shops in 2025, specializing in Illinois amongst different ripe markets together with Virginia, Delaware, and North Carolina.

To enhance their technique of piggybacking onto different traveler-friendly amenities, Common lists “improved lighting, visibility, wayfinding, and pull-through entry to cut back friction and improve security” amongst its design priorities.

“By coordinating earlier with utilities, enhancing pre-construction planning, and optimizing logistics, the corporate decreased downtime and improved predictability throughout undertaking timelines,” the corporate additionally defined, setting the stage for additional growth in 2026.

Looking forward to 2026, Common plans to “considerably increase” its operations, leveraging the groundwork laid this yr. That certain doesn’t sound just like the US EV market is spiraling down the drain, not less than not completely. In case you have any ideas about that, drop a word within the remark thread.

Photograph: Toyota USA has introduced a brand new plan to promote hybrid Corollas within the US, doubtlessly stepping on the toes of its BEV plans that includes new 2026 C-HR crossover SUV (credit score: C-HR cropped, courtesy of Toytota).