Toyota Motor (TYO:7203) said it will expand its battery electric vehicle lineup in North America with an electric version of its three-row Highlander SUV, with sales expected to start in late 2026, according to a Wednesday company statement.
The automaker's North American unit premiered the Highlander BEV in California on Feb. 11, Japan time. Production will take place at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, making the model the company's fourth BEV for the region after the bZ, C-HR and bZ Woodland.
Toyota said the Highlander BEV is part of its multi-pathway strategy toward carbon neutrality, offering different electrified options by region.
The model will be available with front- or all-wheel drive and two lithium-ion battery options, with capacities of about 77 kilowatt-hours and about 96 kilowatt-hours.
The higher-capacity version has a development target driving range of up to 320 miles under U.S. testing standards and includes battery preconditioning, with a target of charging from about 10% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes under cold conditions using a rapid charger.