Toyota sparks excitement after teasing first glimpse of popular model with game-changing upgrades: 'Stylish and functional'

Drivers looking to buy an affordable electric vehicle may have another option to consider after cameras were seen filming a new Toyota SUV ahead of its debut.

The 2026 Toyota C-HR electric SUV will launch in 2026, according to Electrek. KindelAuto (@kindelauto) on Instagram shared a sneak peek of the compact crossover SUV at a commercial shoot in Austin, Texas.

The EV is an upgrade from the gas-powered C-HR that was discontinued years ago, per Electrek. The new eco-friendly version has an updated design with an interior described as a "high-tech cabin that is stylish and functional." It's also smaller than the Toyota bZ, the automaker's other electric SUV.

For drivers concerned about charging, Toyota has stated that the 2026 Toyota C-HR electric SUV can recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, offering a range of up to 290 miles on a fully charged battery.

For comparison, the U.S. Department of Energy said the median range of all EVs was 283 miles per charge for model year 2024.

Making the switch to an EV can save drivers hundreds of dollars on gas and maintenance.

While battery production and charging may create pollution, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They also use 87% to 91% of battery energy, making them much more efficient than their gas-powered counterparts.

Installing solar panels at home can lead to even more savings for EV drivers. Fueling with solar energy is cheaper than using public charging stations or relying on the grid. EnergySage makes it easy to compare quotes from local installers and save up to $10,000 on solar installations.

"It's really awesome that we have a lot of mid-priced EVs coming soon," one Electrek commenter said in reference to the new Toyota electric SUV. Others were less concerned about the price and more focused on growth in the EV market.

"I just want to see more electric cars on the road," another commenter wrote. "I'm starting to care less and less about which ones they are."

Would you be more likely to drive an EV if you could charge it in 5 minutes? Yes 👍 Depends on the cost 💰 No way 👎 I already have an EV 🔌 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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