What Toyota electric vehicles you can buy today
Toyota currently sells three electric vehicles in the United States: the bZ4X, the RAV4 Prime, and the Mirai. The bZ4X is a fully electric SUV that comes in front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions, with a range between 228 and 252 miles depending on the model. The RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid, meaning it has both a gas engine and an electric motor — it can run on electricity alone for about 42 miles before the gas engine kicks in. The Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, not a battery electric car, so it refuels at hydrogen stations rather than charging at home or at a charger.
Pricing and availability vary by region. The bZ4X starts around $43,000 before incentives, the RAV4 Prime around $42,000, and the Mirai around $50,000. Toyota dealerships can tell you which models are in stock in your area and what the current wait time is, since demand for electric vehicles has shifted inventory frequently over the past two years.
Key Takeaways
- The bZ4X is Toyota's fully electric SUV with 228 to 252 miles of range, available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
- The RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid that runs on electricity for about 42 miles, then switches to gas, making it useful if you cannot charge regularly.
- The Mirai uses hydrogen fuel cells instead of a battery, so you need access to a hydrogen station, which exist in only a few states.
- Federal tax credits up to $7,500 may reduce the purchase price if you meet income and vehicle price limits, though these rules change yearly.
- Charging infrastructure, fuel cell station locations, and dealer inventory vary significantly by state and region.
The bZ4X: Toyota's all-electric SUV
The bZ4X is a mid-size SUV built on an electric-only platform. It comes in two versions: front-wheel drive with 228 miles of range, and all-wheel drive with 252 miles of range. The all-wheel drive model costs more but gives you better traction in snow and wet conditions. Both versions use a 71-kilowatt-hour battery that you charge at home with a Level 2 charger (the standard 240-volt home charging unit) or at public fast-charging stations.
Charging time depends on what you use. A Level 2 home charger takes roughly 8 to 10 hours to fully charge the battery. A DC fast charger at a public station can add 200 miles in about 30 minutes, though the last 20 percent of charge slows down considerably. Toyota includes a mobile connector that works with standard 120-volt outlets, but charging this way is slow — expect 30 to 40 hours for a full charge — and is meant only for emergencies.
The bZ4X seats five and has a touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It does not have the longest range in its class, but it is the most affordable fully electric SUV Toyota offers. Resale value and long-term reliability data are still limited since the bZ4X is relatively new to the market.
The RAV4 Prime: Plug-in hybrid for mixed driving
The RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which means it has both a battery and a gas engine. You charge the battery at home or at a charger, and it powers the car for about 42 miles. After that, the gas engine turns on automatically and the car runs like a regular hybrid, using both the engine and the battery together. This design is useful if you drive short distances most days but occasionally take longer trips without access to a charger.
The RAV4 Prime's battery charges fully in about 3 to 4 hours on a Level 2 home charger. Unlike the bZ4X, you do not need to find public chargers for daily driving if you have a driveway or garage. The total driving range (electric plus gas) is around 640 miles, so you can drive across a state without stopping to charge. The RAV4 Prime qualifies for the same federal tax credit as the bZ4X if you meet the income limits.
The RAV4 Prime is more expensive than a standard RAV4 but less than a bZ4X in some cases. It appeals to people who want electric driving for commuting but do not want to worry about charging infrastructure on road trips. The trade-off is that you are paying for two powertrains instead of one, which adds weight and complexity.
The Mirai: Hydrogen fuel cell option
The Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, not a battery electric car. Instead of plugging in to charge, you drive to a hydrogen station and refuel in about five minutes, much like a gas car. The car then converts hydrogen into electricity to power an electric motor. The only emission is water vapor. The Mirai has a range of around 312 miles per tank and seats five.
The catch is hydrogen station availability. As of now, hydrogen stations exist mainly in California, with a handful in other states. If you do not live in or near California, the Mirai is not practical. Even in California, stations are concentrated in certain regions, so you need to check the location map before buying. Toyota covers hydrogen fuel for the first three years of ownership on most Mirai purchases, which helps offset the cost of fuel.
The Mirai qualifies for federal tax credits and some state incentives, but the limited refueling network makes it a niche choice. It is best suited for people in California with predictable daily driving patterns and access to a hydrogen station within reasonable distance.
Federal tax credits and incentives
The federal government offers a tax credit of up to $7,500 for battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, including the bZ4X and RAV4 Prime. The Mirai qualifies for a smaller credit. However, the credit has income limits and price caps that change yearly, and not all versions of each vehicle may have access to.
For the 2024 tax year, the bZ4X and RAV4 Prime both meet the price caps, but your household income must be below certain thresholds to claim the full credit. If your income is above the limit, you get a reduced credit or none at all. Additionally, the vehicle must be assembled in North America to may have access to, which both the bZ4X and RAV4 Prime are.
Some states offer additional rebates or tax credits on top of the federal credit. California, Colorado, and New York have their own programs. Check your state's energy office website or ask your Toyota dealer what incentives explore in your area, since these change frequently and some have limited funding.
Charging infrastructure and where to charge
If you buy the bZ4X or RAV4 Prime, you will need to understand where you can charge. Home charging is the most convenient option — you install a Level 2 charger in your garage or driveway, which costs between $500 and $2,000 installed. This lets you charge overnight and start each day with a full battery. Many utilities offer rebates for home charger installation, so ask your power company before paying out of pocket.
Public charging networks include Tesla's Supercharger network (now open to non-Tesla vehicles), Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. Coverage varies by region. Rural areas and some states have far fewer chargers than urban areas. Before buying a bZ4X, use a charging map app like PlugShare or the car's built-in navigation to see where chargers are near your home, workplace, and places you drive regularly.
The RAV4 Prime is less dependent on public chargers since the gas engine extends your range, but if you want to maximize electric driving and fuel savings, you still benefit from knowing where chargers are. The Mirai, as noted, requires hydrogen stations, which are far more limited.
Comparing Toyota's electric options
| Model | Type | Electric Range | Total Range | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bZ4X | Fully electric | 228–252 miles | 228–252 miles | ~$43,000 | Daily commuting, urban driving, home charging available |
| RAV4 Prime | Plug-in hybrid | 42 miles | ~640 miles | ~$42,000 | Mixed driving, occasional road trips, limited charging access |
| Mirai | Hydrogen fuel cell | 312 miles | 312 miles | ~$50,000 | California drivers with hydrogen station access |
What's coming: Future Toyota electric vehicles
Toyota has announced plans to expand its electric lineup. The company has shown concept vehicles and stated intentions to release more battery electric models in the coming years, but specific release dates and pricing for new models have not been confirmed. Toyota tends to move cautiously into new vehicle categories, testing them in limited markets before wider rollout.
The bZ4X is still relatively new, so Toyota is likely to refine it and add variants before introducing entirely new electric models. If you are interested in what Toyota is planning, check the official Toyota website or ask a dealer about upcoming models, though they may not have detailed information until closer to launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge the bZ4X at a Tesla Supercharger?
Yes. Tesla opened its Supercharger network to non-Tesla vehicles starting in 2023. You will need an adapter, which Toyota includes with the bZ4X, or you can purchase one separately. Charging speeds may vary slightly from Tesla vehicles.
Does the RAV4 Prime need to be plugged in every day?
No. The RAV4 Prime runs on gas alone if the battery is empty. However, to maximize fuel savings and electric driving, you should charge it regularly if you have access to a charger. If you never plug it in, it functions as a regular hybrid but you lose the benefit of the electric-only driving range.
How long do the batteries last in Toyota electric vehicles?
Toyota warrants the battery in the bZ4X for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Real-world battery degradation is typically 5 to 10 percent over the warranty period. Long-term durability data beyond 10 years is still limited since these vehicles are relatively new.
What happens if I run out of charge in the bZ4X far from a charger?
You will need to call a tow truck or roadside information to reach a charger. This is why understanding your local charging network before buying is important. The bZ4X's 228 to 252-mile range covers most daily driving, but road trips require planning.
Is the federal tax credit applied at purchase or on my tax return?
As of 2024, you can claim the credit on your tax return, or some dealers can explore it as a point-of-sale rebate that reduces the price you pay upfront. Ask your dealer which option they offer. The point-of-sale option is simpler if available, since you do not have to wait until tax time to see the savings.