Toyota C-HR+: Everything you need to know
Though Toyota has mainly focused on hybrids and – occasionally – hydrogen power, it hasn’t been all that forthcoming when it comes to fully electric models.
However, in the last few years, the introduction of the bZ4x, Urban Cruiser and now the CH-R+ means that Toyota is now in full swing with its electric vehicle lineup.
The CH-R+ is a medium-sized SUV that will go on sale later this year, but if you’re considering buying one, what are the key things that you need to know?
There will be a choice of two battery packs
Under the bonnet, there will be a choice of two battery packs.
The standard car will come with a 57.7kWh unit and electric motor producing 157bhp. However, its electric range and performance figures have not been revealed at this stage.
There will be a larger 77kWh battery pack on offer, with a total power output of 221bhp, or 338bhp in a dual motor verison, which brings all-wheel-drive and 0-60mph in six seconds.
Toyota claims that big-battery versions of the CH-R+ can travel up to 373 miles on a single charge and that all models can be topped up from a 150kW DC rapid charger.
It will use Toyota’s e-TNGA platform
This new car will sit on Toyota’s e-TNGA electric vehicle platform, which stands for ‘Electric-Toyota New Global Architecture’.
Models such as the Toyota bZ4x, the Subaru Solterra, Lexus RZ and the Chinese-only Toyota bZ3 all utilise this platform.
It will sit in the medium SUV class
The CH-R+ will be entering one of the most fiercely competitive segments in the new car market – the medium SUV category.
It will be rivaling cars such as the Renault Scenic and Skoda Elroq when it goes on sale later this year.
Toyota’s excellent reputation for quality and reliability should give the CH-R+ a head start when it comes to customer satisfaction and ownership.
There is sufficient space inside
Despite the sloping roofline, Toyota claims there is sufficient space inside this new SUV, with loads of rear occupant room.
Up front, there is more interior space with lots of cubby holes scattered about, including a decent glove box, two wireless smartphone chargers and deep front door bins.
In terms of boot space, the capacity stands at 416 litres, which is 106 litres more than a standard CH-R in plug-in hybrid or 28 litres more than a regular hybrid model.
Toyota has yet to reveal the total boot capacity with the rear seats folded down at present.
It will come with Toyota’s ‘Battery Care programme’
To help keep the customer’s peace of mind, the CH-R+ is the first Toyota model to come with the firm’s ‘Battery Care Programme.’
This is a warranty for the battery pack that covers the unit for up to 10 years or 650,000 miles – whichever comes first.
Also, the car will come with a standard three-year or 60,000-mile manufacturer warranty, but if the owner continues to service the vehicle through a franchised Toyota dealer, they can extend the warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles.
What else can we expect from Toyota in the future?
Toyota wants to focus on offering a multiple selection of different powertrains for its vehicles.
Its electric model lineup will continue to grow with the brand set to introduce six new EVs in Europe by 2026.
It continues to support its hydrogen fuel-cell technology, making it more accessible for everyday transport and has even developed a hydrogen internal-combustion engine. Furthermore, the company wants to expand on hydrogen refuelling infrastructures across Europe, too.
Furthermore, its Gazoo Racing division is developing a new turbocharged hybrid engine, which could be seen in the next GR Yaris hot hatchback, and a new MR2 and Celica are in talks of development.
Finally, the firm wants to invest in synthetic carbon-neutral fuels for its future road cars. Currently, the GRO10 World Endurance racer, GR Supra GT4 and GR Yaris rally 1 championship vehicles all run on carbon-neutral fuels.
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