Toyota C-HR EV Locked In for Australia, Set to Undercut bZ4X

Toyota Australia has officially confirmed that the electric C-HR SUV will arrive in local showrooms by mid-2027, positioned below the bZ4X as the brand’s most affordable battery-electric model yet.

The electric C-HR will mark Toyota’s second EV in Australia, joining the bZ4X that launched in 2024. A more premium bZ4X Touring variant is also due in 2026, but the smaller C-HR EV will be the more accessible option for Australian buyers looking to transition from hybrid to fully electric driving.

▶️MORE:Toyota Launches C-HR+ EV to Take on BYD and Hyundai

Two Grades Expected, Below $66K

While Toyota has yet to confirm exact pricing or specifications for the Australian market, the company has indicated the C-HR EV will be offered in two trim levels and will sit below the bZ4X’s starting price of $66,000 before on-road costs.

Powering the C-HR EV is a 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery paired with a front-mounted electric motor producing 165kW and 269Nm. Based on overseas specifications, that setup delivers smooth front-wheel-drive performance and brisk acceleration for city and suburban use.

Inside, Toyota will equip the electric C-HR with a 14-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the brand’s Connected Services suite.

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From Hybrid Roots to Full Electrification

The C-HR has long been a favourite among younger buyers for its edgy design and compact proportions. Currently sold in Australia exclusively as a hybrid, the transition to a fully electric version was “a natural next step,” said Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley.

“We had an opportunity to secure it as part of Toyota’s global EV production plan, and it made perfect sense,” he told media. Hanley added that the model’s striking design and loyal following made it a strong candidate for local introduction.

The current hybrid range starts at $45,440 before on-road costs for the GXL and tops out at $57,390 for the GR Sport. Given that, industry analysts expect the C-HR EV to land between $57,000 and $66,000, a price that would make it Toyota’s most affordable EV to date.

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European Specs Give a Clue to What’s Coming

Australia’s C-HR EV will share much with the European version, which launches in early 2026. The overseas model offers up to 609km of WLTP range from its larger 77kWh battery and can accelerate from 0–100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

▶️MORE: Toyota bZ4X price and specs

An even more powerful all-wheel-drive variant is available in Europe, producing 252kW from dual motors and cutting the sprint time to 5.2 seconds. That model also adds faster 22kW AC charging to the standard 11kW capability, while all versions support up to 150kW DC fast charging.

The C-HR EV rides on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, shared with the bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra. Production will come from Toyota’s plant in Turkey, which also builds the hybrid C-HR for Australian buyers.

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