Toyota CH-R EV to boost electric push

Toyota Australia says demand for electrified vehicles is reshaping the local market, with the brand expanding its battery-electric vehicle (BEV) portfolio as part of a strategy that aims for approximately 30 per cent of its sales to come from zero- and low-emission vehicles (ZLEV) by 2030. The next step in that rollout will be the arrival of the Toyota CH-R BEV in mid-2027, joining four electric vehicles already confirmed for the Australian market.

Toyota Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to growing its electric vehicle presence as changing consumer demand accelerates the shift toward electrified powertrains.

Speaking at a media briefing, Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, John Pappas, said demand for electrified vehicles had grown rapidly amid increasing fuel costs and broader changes across the automotive sector.

The company is pursuing what it describes as a "multi-pathway" approach, offering a mix of technologies rather than focusing exclusively on battery-electric vehicles.

A key part of that strategy is Toyota's 30 by 30 plan, under which the brand anticipates approximately 30 per cent of its Australian sales will come from zero- and low-emission vehicles by the end of the decade, including BEVs, plug-in hybrids and fuel-cell electric vehicles.

Pappas said the pace of Toyota's EV rollout would continue to be guided by customer demand.

"Our expansion of electrified powertrains really is dictated by the pace of change that customers are demanding that type of powertrain," he said.

Toyota currently has four electric vehicle programs confirmed for Australia, including the bZ4X, bZ4X Touring, battery-electric HiLux and the upcoming hydrogen-powered HiLux.

The next addition will be the Toyota CH-R BEV, due in Australia in mid-2027. Toyota says the new electric small SUV will provide buyers with a city-focused battery-electric alternative and broaden the brand's growing EV range.

Pappas said Toyota's zero-emissions vehicle portfolio would continue to expand beyond those products over time.

"We've got a pretty strong plan on when we're bringing in the ZLEV vehicles, and that will continue to expand over time," he said.

Despite its EV push, Toyota maintains many Australian customers still require conventional powertrains, particularly in regional and rural areas where vehicles are used for long-distance travel, towing and commercial work.

According to Toyota, almost 54 per cent of combined HiLux and LandCruiser family sales are purchased by customers outside major metropolitan centres.

The arrival of the CH-R BEV next year will mark Toyota's latest step towards increasing its electrified sales mix in Australia.

While the company expects EV, plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell vehicle uptake to grow steadily through the remainder of the decade, Toyota says it will continue offering a range of technologies to suit different customer needs as the market transitions towards lower-emissions transport.

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