A battery electric vehicle (BEV) is powered entirely by a battery pack and single or dual electric motors. Like all electric vehicles, BEVs can recharge their batteries to a limited degree through regenerative braking. To achieve a full charge, and the full benefit of zero-emissions driving, BEVs need to be plugged in.

Modern BEVs can travel further than you may think. The new Toyota bZ4X for example, has a range of up to 400km on a full charge. However, BEV range will vary from vehicle to vehicle, depending on factors like the size of the battery pack, driving habits, and even the weather.

You can charge a BEV at home or work using either a standard 120-Volt outlet or dedicated 240-Volt outlet. Or, you can charge a BEV at any of the growing number of charging stations across the country.

The time it takes to charge a BEV depends largely on the level or speed of the charger used. Level 1 is a standard 120-Volt outlet, and charging a BEV can take from 20 to 50 hours. Level 2, a dedicated 240-Volt service can charge a BEV 3 to 7 times faster. Level 3, also known as fast chargers, can provide a full charge in as little as one hour.

There are more than 5,000 public EV charging stations in Canada, and that network continues to expand. Both the Electrify Canada and PlugShare websites make it easy to find the closest public charging station. Your Toyota App also puts charging information close at hand, including your charging level, driving range, and nearest charging station.

Toyota invests in a range of electrified vehicles, including HEV, PHEV, FCEV, and BEV. Overall, Toyota plans to expand to around 70 electrified models globally by 2025. This future lineup will feature 15 dedicated BEVs, including seven carrying the bZ (Beyond Zero) brand moniker. This diverse portfolio of electrified models will help propel Toyota toward its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

bZ stands for Beyond Zero, an ideal that aims for carbon neutrality throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle – from production to end-of-life recycling.

Toyota battery electric vehicles follow the same maintenance schedule as conventional vehicles: every 6 months or 8,000 KM (whichever comes first). The way the BEV system works can reduce how often other areas of the car need servicing. For example, the brakes are regenerative, saving pad & rotor life, there is no transmission fluid, and there are no starters, alternators or belts to be replaced.

BEVs can save you money over their lifetime in several ways. For example, you’ll never pay for fuel again. Just as important, BEVs produce no emissions, which means you are also reducing your carbon footprint as you drive.

In addition to the 3-year or 60,000 KM* Basic Complete Vehicle Warranty, Toyota Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) 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.