Despite its hard-earned reputation as a hybrid pioneer, Toyota has resisted the urge to offer plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) in Australian showrooms.
That could be set to change, though. The brand has opened the door for PHEVs – which use large batteries to offer greater electric driving range than conventional hybrids, but still have a petrol engine – to finally land Down Under.
“It will come, and I think sooner than later,” Toyota Australia vice president for sales and marketing Sean Hanley told CarExpert.
“We’ve been very clear that the multi-pathway strategy [for emissions reduction] definitely includes plug-in hybrids in the future. I think they’re a great technology.”
RAV4 Prime
In the USA, the RAV4 Prime packs an 18kWh lithium-ion battery and two electric motors. They combine with a 2.5-litre petrol engine for 225kW of system power, a 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.0 seconds, and a claimed 70km of EV range.
A plug-in hybrid version of the slick new Prius is also available abroad, but has been ruled out for our market.
Toyota Australia might finally be warming to the idea of plug-in hybrids, but it’s not banking on them as a long-term solution.
Prius Prime
“The thing I’m loving about a plug-in hybrid is just freedom right now,” Mr Hanley said.
“On the other hand, I don’t think in five years time you’ll be worried about range anxiety and charging stations with EVs. That’s today’s problem, not tomorrow’s,” he said. “Plug-in hybrids are ideal for today, as are hybrids.”
Currently, the only PHEV in the Toyota Australia stable is the Lexus NX 450h+ SUV. It’s been so popular, long waits forced Lexus to close order books in March 2023.
Lexus Australia CEO John Pappas earlier this year told CarExpert he wants to reopen orders before the end of 2024, but any plan is contingent on being able to secure more supply from Japan.
