Prius Plug-In Hybrid
The Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid can commute up to 72 km and reach 180 km/h in EV mode, with a combined range of up to 1,035 km. It also has one of the fastest charging times in its class, with no special equipment needed.
Toyota has always been at the forefront of innovation toward electrification. The introduction of the Prius Hybrid in 1997 changed the way the world thinks about mobility. Since then, the lineup has expanded to include more Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs), Hydrogen Fuel Cell EVs (FCEVs), and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
This guide will simplify the jargon and break down all the Toyota Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (EVs) for you. Rest assured that as Canada's highest-selling hybrid dealer for two years in a row, Destination Toyota Burnaby is equipped with the inventory and expertise to get you your dream electrified vehicle.
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is likely the type of hybrid you know best. HEVs combine a gas engine with an electric motor, generating electricity as you drive—so they never need to be plugged in. Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive seamlessly, and automatically, chooses the most efficient source and blend of power. Low speeds primarily use the electric motor, while regenerative braking converts braking energy into electric energy to help recharge the battery.
A power-split device and advanced energy management system optimize power flow, helping deliver exceptional performance and fuel economy — up to 70% cleaner than conventional gas engines. Today, nearly every Toyota model is available as a hybrid, continuing Toyota's legacy of electrified innovation.
Watch the video to see how the Toyota Hybrid System works.
No. Toyota hybrids often require less maintenance. The engines run only part of the time, reducing wear and tear. Regenerative braking extends the life of pads and rotors. Plus, there are no starters, alternators, or belts to replace, and no transmission fluid under load.
Not at all. Toyota hybrids are known for reliability and low operating costs. Taxi fleets in Vancouver and Winnipeg have relied on them for over a decade, saving on fuel and logging millions of kilometres—some surpassing 1,000,000 km.
Rarely. Over 99% of Toyota hybrids sold since 2000 are still running on their original battery. Designed to last the life of the vehicle, hybrid batteries are also covered by an 8-year / 160,000 km warranty.
Toyota hybrids are much cleaner. Modern diesel engines emit nearly three times more smog-forming emissions than Toyota hybrids, which rank among the cleanest vehicles on the road.
You cannot plug in to recharge a regular hybrid. The electric motor saves energy that would normally be lost when you slow down. It turns that energy into electricity through a process called regenerative braking. When needed, the engine can also be used to generate electricity.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) combine the benefits of both gas and electric power for greater efficiency and flexibility. Just as in regular hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids use a gas engine and an electric motor — but with a larger battery that allows for longer all-electric driving. You can plug them in to extend electric range, and when the battery runs low, the gas engine automatically takes over. Regenerative braking also helps recharge the battery as you drive, maximizing efficiency on every trip.
Watch the video to see how Toyota's Plug-In Hybrid powertrain works.
The Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid can commute up to 72 km and reach 180 km/h in EV mode, with a combined range of up to 1,035 km. It also has one of the fastest charging times in its class, with no special equipment needed.
The all-new 2026 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid features a 320-horsepower powertrain, an electric-only range of up to 82 km, and 0–100 km/h in under 6 seconds. It supports DC fast charging from 10% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes.
No. PHEVs have larger batteries which allows electric power alone on shorter trips. For longer drives, PHEVs seamlessly switch to hybrid mode.
No. Charging is optional for PHEVs. However, if you keep a PHEV charged, it maximizes fuel savings. When needed, the gas-hybrid engine acts as a backup.
While the upfront cost may be higher, available incentives and lower fuel use can save you money over time.
Not at all. Most PHEVs can be charged from a standard home outlet—no special equipment required.
Quite the opposite. Electric torque in PHEVs provides quick and responsive acceleration, ideal for city and highway driving.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are what people usually refer to these days when they're talking about EVs. BEVs run entirely on electricity, and offer instant acceleration, quiet operation, smooth performance, and tailpipe emissions-free driving. They feature much larger batteries than regular Hybrids and Plug-In Hybrids and thus offer a much longer electric range. They need to be plugged in to charge, and can also use strong regenerative braking to extend range.
Watch the video to learn more about how BEVs work.

The brand new Toyota bZ is already here — loaded with the latest Toyota advanced technology for a smooth, safe, and zero-emission driving experience.

The all-new Toyota bZ Woodland is built to take you off the grid and into adventure — blending comfort, style, and confident all-electric performance.

The all-new all-electric 2026 Toyota C-HR brings bold energy, premium features, and standout style with confidence-inspiring performance.
The upfront cost can be higher, but EVs save money over time with lower fuel and maintenance expenses.
Many modern EVs can travel over 400 km on a single charge—more than enough for most daily needs.
Yes. EVs are statistically less likely to catch fire than gas-powered vehicles and come with advanced safety features.
No. Modern EV batteries last many years and are supported by long warranties.
Charging infrastructure is rapidly growing, with thousands of public chargers already available across BC and Canada — alongside convenient charging at home.
Battery Electric Introduction
Battery Electric Vehicles run entirely on electricity, and offer instant acceleration, quiet operation, smooth performance, and tailpipe emissions-free driving. They're just one of the ways Toyota offers drivers a choice of Electric Vehicles, along with hybrids and plug-in hybrids — all made with the reliability Canadians depend on from Toyota.
Toyota's Electrified Journey began over 25 years ago with the Prius in 1997. Curious whether a Battery Electric Vehicle is the right fit for you? Explore the series below.
At a Toyota dealership, you'll find three electrified options: Hybrid Electric (HEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV), and Battery Electric (BEV). Learn the differences in minutes.
Range is the estimated distance a BEV can travel on the battery charge remaining, measured in kilometres. See what affects it — and how far today's BEVs can really go.
Charging should match your lifestyle. Charging at home is convenient, but some drivers rely on public charging — learn the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 DC Fast Charging.
By considering a few key factors — daily distance, charging access, and driving habits — you'll be able to make an informed decision about whether a BEV is the perfect fit.
Charging an electric vehicle has never been simpler or more convenient. There are more places to charge than ever before — and more charging options too.
From types of EV charging and tips to optimize range, to public charging networks and BEV best practices — there's a lot to learn, and we've made it easy.
As the name would suggest, these vehicles are fueled by the most abundant element in the universe — hydrogen. You fuel up in the same way you would a gas-powered vehicle. The hydrogen is stored in carbon fibre, high-impact resistant tanks. A chemical reaction combines hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the atmosphere to generate electricity, while regenerative braking captures additional energy. They emit zero CO2 — the only thing that comes out of the tailpipe is water!
Safety is Toyota's greatest priority with FCEVs. The hydrogen fuel tanks absorb five times the crash energy of steel, sensors stop the flow of hydrogen in the event of a crash, and hydrogen-related parts are located outside the cabin. Crash mitigation begins with crash prevention: the equipped Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 can even get you a 10% ICBC discount.

The completely redesigned Mirai represents a leap forward for fuel cell electric vehicles, with a range of up to 647 km on a single tank of hydrogen and an approximately 5-minute fueling time. A rigid body and low centre of gravity make for nimble, rewarding handling in one of the most desired zero-emission vehicles on the road.
Visit Canada's highest-selling hybrid dealer and find the electrified Toyota that fits your life.