How long do hybrid electric batteries last?

Over 98% of the Toyota hybrid electric vehicles sold in Canada since 2001 have never had their original battery replaced. Starting with 2020 model year vehicles, hybrid electric batteries are now backed by a 10-year/240,000 km warranty*.

* Whichever comes first.

What are the advantages of a Toyota hybrid electric in the city and on the highway?

While hybrid electric vehicles benefit from engine-shut-off and more EV (electric-only) driving in the city, the latest generation Toyota hybrid electric systems feature highly efficient gasoline engines for highway driving; the system can even enter EV mode while cruising on a highway in certain conditions. Toyota’s hybrid electric system will seamlessly determine and optimize what combination of electric and gas engine power is required based on your driving conditions.

Do I need to change my driving or refueling habits with a Toyota hybrid electric vehicle?

Drive a Toyota hybrid electric vehicle like you would any typical conventionally-powered vehicle. Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system works seamlessly in the background, optimizing the combination of gas and electric power as you drive. Fueling a Toyota hybrid electric vehicle is identical to fueling a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle; you do not need to plug it in. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles offer the benefits of a hybrid electric, with the option to plug the vehicle in for extended electric-only range.

How does hybrid electric vehicle performance compare with a gas-only Toyota vehicle?

Not only do Toyota hybrid electric vehicles follow the same maintenance schedule of every 6 months or 8,000 KM (whichever comes first), but the way the hybrid electric system works can reduce how often other areas of the car need servicing. In a hybrid electric, the engines are off some of the time, the brakes are regenerative, saving pad & rotor life, there is no transmission fluid under load, and there are no starters, alternators or belts to be replaced.

Are Toyota hybrid electric vehicles as safe as a conventionally powered vehicle?

Toyota’s hybrid electric systems are designed and tested for Canada just like any Toyota vehicle, and adhere to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Hybrid electrics cause no greater concern for passengers or rescuers in the event of a collision than non-hybrid vehicles. The batteries are sealed in a protective metal case and insulated from the vehicle body. Additionally, hybrid electric battery cables are shrouded in bright-orange cladding as a warning to emergency workers, and Toyota works closely with first responders to provide information and material for training on how to work with hybrid electrics. You also get the peace of mind knowing that all Toyota hybrid electric vehicles come standard with Toyota Safety Sense, an active safety suite which includes pre-collision technology to help prevent an accident from occurring in the first place.

How do hybrid electric vehicles help foster a more sustainable future?

Supplementing the gasoline engine with an electric motor yields benefits far beyond performance and reliability. Advancements in fuel efficiency contribute to a reduction in both CO2 emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Since we first launched the Prius in 1997, Toyota’s wide range of electrified vehicles have prevented over 94 million tons of CO2 emissions globally*.

*In lieu of conventional gasoline vehicles of similar class and engine performance.

How long have Toyota hybrid electric vehicles been available?

It all began in 1997 with Prius. Since then, the Toyota family of electrified vehicles has grown with more models and we have continually developed and innovated on hybrid electric technology in every new generation of vehicles. Toyota offers more electrified models than any other full-line passenger vehicle manufacturer and has sold more than 15 million hybrid electrified vehicles around the world.

What is the warranty for a Toyota hybrid electric?

In addition to the 3-year or 60,000 KM* Basic Complete Vehicle Warranty, Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) come with a Hybrid Component warranty – good for 8 years or 160,000* km. Starting with 2020 model year Toyota HEVs, hybrid electric batteries are now covered by an extended warranty – good for 10 years or 240,000* km.

*Whichever comes first

Are Toyota hybrid electric batteries recyclable?

While 98% of Toyota hybrid electric vehicles sold in Canada since 2001 are still running on their original batteries, once the time comes, hybrid electric batteries can be dismantled and recycled or repurposed just like any other battery. Toyota Canada has a recycling program in place that recycles hybrid electric batteries once they can no longer be used in vehicles. We have also undertaken initiatives within North America to repurpose Toyota hybrid electric batteries for a more sustainable future, like the Lamar Buffalo Ranch Project in Yellowstone National Park.

Do Toyota hybrid electric vehicles need to be plugged in?

Toyota hybrid electric vehicles never have to be plugged in. The hybrid electric system recharges the battery itself, allowing you to drive and operate the vehicle the same as a conventionally powered vehicle. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can optionally be plugged in for extended electric only range.

How do Toyota hybrid electric vehicles perform in different weather conditions including winter?

Like our conventionally powered vehicles, all electrified Toyota vehicles and their components undergo rigorous testing to ensure they withstand whatever mother nature throws at them. You can be confident that all electrified Toyota vehicles have been designed and tested for life in Canada. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid electric is manufactured right here in Canada; built by Canadians, for Canadians.*

*From 19MY onwards

FAQS

Disclaimer - Unless otherwise stated in an individual fact, all comparisons are between a Toyota hybrid electric vehicle and a conventional gasoline engine vehicle (comparable in size, class, equipment) when driven under identical conditions.

HYBRID ELECTRIC CARS & SUVS

ONE COMPANY

MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS

At Toyota, we don’t believe that there is just one electrified solution that fits all people and all of their mobility needs. That’s why we’re investing in a range of electrified technologies that all use electricity to propel a vehicle forward. But the source of electricity differs depending on the powertrain. Today, we offer Canadians three different types of electrified vehicles.

HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE

HEVs combine gas engines with electric motors to generate electricity as you drive, which also means they never need to be plugged in.

PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE

PHEVs operate in the same way as HEVs, but can optionally be plugged in for extended electric-only range.

HYDROGEN FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLE

FCEVs use hydrogen as an energy source in conjunction with electric motors, emitting water as the only by-product from the tailpipe.

Toyota led the auto industry on the road to electrification in 1997, with the launch of Prius. Since then, we’ve continuously innovated towards a more efficient, sustainable, empowered future that has no finish line. Because it’s a race where if we win, we all win.