Toyota Motor Corporation has announced the expansion of its battery electric vehicle (BEV) portfolio in North America as part of its multi-pathway strategy toward achieving a carbon-neutral society. As part of this initiative, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) premiered the all-electric version of its three-row SUV, the Highlander, on February 10 (PST) in Ojai, California. Sales of the Highlander BEV are expected to begin in late 2026.
Toyota continues to follow a product- and region-focused management approach aimed at delivering ever-better cars. In its pursuit of carbon neutrality, the company is advancing a wide range of mobility solutions under its multi-pathway strategy, offering electrified powertrain options tailored to customer needs across global markets.
In the North American market, the Highlander BEV will become a key addition to Toyota’s growing electric lineup. Production will take place at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), marking the fourth BEV to be manufactured there, following the bZ4X (sold in North America as the bZ), the TOYOTA C-HR (North American name for the C-HR+ in Europe), and the bZ Woodland (North American name for the bZ4X Touring).
Since its debut in the United States in 2001, the Highlander has established itself as a popular family-oriented three-row SUV, valued for its spacious interior, versatility and capability across both urban and outdoor driving conditions. Cumulative U.S. sales of the Highlander have surpassed 3.6 million units between 2001 and 2025. With the introduction of the BEV variant, Toyota aims to further evolve the Highlander nameplate while contributing to a carbon-neutral future.
The Highlander BEV will be offered with two lithium-ion battery options. A 76.96 kWh battery is designed to meet everyday urban driving needs, while a larger 95.82 kWh battery is aimed at customers seeking extended range for long-distance travel and outdoor activities. Both battery options will be available with front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations.
For the higher-capacity 95.82 kWh variant, Toyota is targeting a cruising range of up to 320 miles in AWD configuration under EPA driving conditions. The model also benefits from improved eAxle efficiency and a high-capacity battery system to enhance overall performance and efficiency.
Battery preconditioning will be standard, helping maintain optimal battery temperature prior to rapid charging. Under cold-weather conditions, Toyota is targeting a fast-charging time of approximately 30 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% using a 150 kW DC fast charger.
Highlander BEV – Key Specifications (Development Targets, North American Model):
- Driveline: FWD / AWD
- Length: 198.8 inches
- Width: 78.3 inches
- Height: 67.3 inches
- Wheelbase: 120.1 inches
- Cruising Range:
- FWD: up to 287 miles
- AWD (76.96 kWh): up to 270 miles
- AWD (95.82 kWh): up to 320 miles
- Battery Capacity: 76.96 kWh / 95.82 kWh
Looking ahead, Toyota will continue to develop a diverse range of powertrain technologies—including hybrids (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)—to meet regional customer needs while advancing its goal of carbon neutrality.
