Toyota is bringing its stylish compact SUV, the C-HR, into the electric vehicle (EV) market for Australian buyers, and it’s promising a more accessible price point than its existing electric offering, the bZ4X. The announcement comes as Toyota continues to expand its EV lineup in response to growing global demand for sustainable transportation options.
Set to arrive in mid-2027, the C-HR EV will be the second all-electric model sold by Toyota Australia after the larger bZ4X SUV launched in 2024. Toyota has indicated that the C-HR EV’s starting price will undercut the current $66,000 base price (before on-road costs) of the bZ4X.
While specific details about pricing and features for Australian customers are still under wraps, Toyota Australia has revealed key specifications. The electric C-HR will feature a 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery powering a front-mounted electric motor producing 165kW of power and 269Nm of torque. Inside the cabin, expect a standard 14.0-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, alongside Toyota Connected Services for seamless smartphone connectivity and vehicle management.
This news aligns with Toyota Australia’s strategy to progressively introduce more affordable EVs into its market presence. Sean Hanley, vice president of sales and marketing at Toyota Australia, emphasized the decision was a natural progression from the popular C-HR’s existing hybrid model:
“It’s a natural progression from its hybrid engine and was part of the production plan – we had an opportunity to get it, so we’re going to take it.”
Hanley also highlighted the C-HR’s distinctive design and youthful appeal as contributing factors:
“it’s got great appeal… it’s got a young following which I really like, and the styling does stand out from the crowd.”
The C-HR EV will be manufactured in Turkey, sharing its platform with the existing hybrid version. Notably, this aligns with Toyota’s global strategy for electric C-HR production, mirroring its European and UK counterparts.
While Australians won’t get the entry-level front-wheel drive variant available in the UK (featuring a smaller 57.7kWh battery), they will benefit from the mid-range model’s larger 77kWh battery and more powerful 165kW motor, similar to that planned for Australia.
The C-HR EV’s arrival signifies another step towards wider electric vehicle adoption in Australia. As Toyota expands its EV range with more accessible options like the C-HR, it will likely contribute to greater affordability and competition within the growing Australian electric car market.
