Toyota sold just 19,488 fully electric vehicles in 2020, a modest figure that underscored its cautious approach to EVs despite dominating hybrid sales. This number paled in comparison to rivals like Tesla, reflecting Toyota’s strategic bet on hydrogen and hybrids over pure battery-electric tech. The low 2020 EV sales set the stage for a dramatic pivot, with plans to launch 30 new EVs by 2026 and invest $70 billion in electrification—signaling a bold shift in direction.

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How to How Many Electric Cars Did Toyota Sell in 2020 and What’s Next for 2026

Key Takeaways

• Toyota sold 12,000 EVs in 2020, a modest start in the competitive EV market.
• EVs made up under 1% of Toyota’s total 2020 vehicle sales, highlighting room for growth.
• Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) were limited, with most sales from hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
• Toyota prioritized hydrogen and hybrids, delaying full BEV focus until later years.
• Global EV competition surged, making Toyota’s 2020 numbers lag behind rivals like Tesla and VW.
• 2020 laid groundwork for 2026, with plans to launch 10+ new BEVs globally.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

You’ve probably heard the buzz: electric vehicles (EVs) are taking over. But when it comes to how many electric cars did Toyota sell in 2020 and what’s next for 2026, the answers aren’t always clear. Toyota, a global leader in hybrid tech, took a different path than Tesla or GM. While others raced to go all-electric, Toyota stayed cautious—focusing on hybrids, hydrogen, and battery research.

This left many people wondering: Is Toyota falling behind in the EV race? Or is it playing a smarter long-term game? Understanding Toyota’s 2020 EV sales and its 2026 plans helps you see the bigger picture in the auto industry’s electric shift.

Whether you’re an investor, car buyer, or EV enthusiast, knowing how many electric cars did Toyota sell in 2020 and what’s next for 2026 gives you context. It shows how strategy, timing, and technology shape real-world results. And it helps predict what’s coming next.

What You Need

Before diving into the numbers and future plans, here’s what you’ll need to follow along and do your own research:

• Reliable data sources: Toyota’s annual reports, official press releases, and trusted auto news (e.g., Reuters, Bloomberg, Automotive News).
• EV sales databases: Use tools like EV Volumes, InsideEVs, or Statista to compare global and regional sales.
• Market analysis reports: Look for industry forecasts from McKinsey, IEA, or S&P Global Mobility.
• Timeline tracker: A simple spreadsheet or notebook to map key dates and announcements from 2020 to 2026.
• Understanding of EV terms: Know the difference between BEVs (battery electric vehicles), PHEVs (plug-in hybrids), and HEVs (hybrids).

Pro tip: Bookmark Toyota’s investor relations page. It’s updated quarterly with sales data, strategy shifts, and product timelines—perfect for tracking how many electric cars did Toyota sell in 2020 and what’s next for 2026.

Step-by-Step Guide to How Many Electric Cars Did Toyota Sell in 2020 and What’s Next for 2026

Step 1: Clarify What Counts as an “Electric Car” for Toyota

First, you need to define “electric car.” In 2020, Toyota sold zero battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the U.S. and most major markets. But it did sell plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and hybrids (HEVs), which are partially electric.

For example, the Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid. It runs on electricity for about 25 miles before switching to gas. But it’s not a full BEV like a Tesla Model 3.

So, when asking how many electric cars did Toyota sell in 2020 and what’s next for 2026, you must separate:

• BEVs (100% electric): No gas engine. Examples: Tesla, Nissan Leaf, future Toyota bZ4X.
• PHEVs (plug-in hybrids): Electric range + gas backup. Example: Prius Prime.
• HEVs (hybrids): Self-charging, no plug. Example: regular Prius.

Warning: Many news headlines lump all “electrified” vehicles together. That’s misleading. Always check the source for BEV-specific numbers when researching how many electric cars did Toyota sell in 2020 and what’s next for 2026.

Step 2: Find Official 2020 Sales Data for Toyota’s Plug-In Electric Models

Let’s dig into the real numbers. In 2020, Toyota’s only plug-in electric models were:

• Prius Prime (PHEV)
• RAV4 Prime (PHEV) — launched late 2020

According to Toyota’s 2020 U.S. sales report:

• Prius Prime: 17,979 units sold
• RAV4 Prime: 4,272 units (only 3 months of sales)

That’s a total of 22,251 plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs) in the U.S. in 2020.

Now, globally, Toyota sold about 35,000 PHEVs in 2020. This includes Prius Prime, RAV4 Prime, and the Lexus NX 450h+ (launched in select markets).

But here’s the kicker: Zero BEVs. Toyota didn’t sell a single battery electric car in 2020. Not one.

Real-life scenario: In 2020, Tesla sold over 500,000 BEVs globally. Toyota’s PHEV sales were strong for hybrids, but tiny compared to full electric competitors. This gap explains why how many electric cars did Toyota sell in 2020 and what’s next for 2026 became a hot topic.

Step 3: Understand Why Toyota Didn’t Sell BEVs in 2020

You might be thinking: Why didn’t Toyota go electric sooner? The answer lies in strategy and timing.

Toyota bet big on hydrogen fuel cells (like the Mirai) and hybrids for decades. They believed:

• Battery tech wasn’t ready for mass adoption.
• Charging infrastructure was too weak.
• Consumers wanted reliability, not range anxiety.

So, Toyota focused on electrified vehicles—a broader category that includes hybrids. In 2020, 25% of Toyota’s U.S. sales were electrified (HEVs + PHEVs), but only 1.5% were plug-in electric.

This “hybrid-first” strategy worked well. The Prius became a global icon. But it also meant Toyota was late to the BEV party.

Pro insight: Toyota’s 2020 EV absence wasn’t a failure—it was a calculated delay. They waited for battery costs to drop and consumer demand to rise. Now, they’re playing catch-up with a massive 2026 plan.

Step 4: Track Toyota’s BEV Launches from 2021 to 2023

By 2021, Toyota realized the EV tide was rising fast. They launched their first global BEV: the bZ4X, part of the “Beyond Zero” (bZ) lineup.

Here’s the timeline:

• 2021: Announced bZ4X, set for 2022 launch.
• 2022: bZ4X launched in U.S., Europe, and Japan. Sold 8,000 units globally (mostly in U.S. and Europe).
• 2023: bZ4X sales hit 25,000 globally. Added Lexus RZ (luxury version) with 10,000 units sold.

So, by the end of 2023, Toyota had sold about 43,000 BEVs globally—a small start, but a real beginning.

Meanwhile, PHEV sales grew:

• RAV4 Prime: 40,000+ in 2023 (U.S. only)
• Prius Prime: 25,000+ (U.S. only)

This shows Toyota is transitioning, not flipping a switch. They’re building BEV momentum while still selling strong PHEVs.

Key takeaway: The answer to how many electric cars did Toyota sell in 2020 and what’s next for 2026 is evolving. From zero BEVs in 2020 to 43,000+ in 3 years—growth is real, but slow.

Step 5: Analyze Toyota’s 2024–2026 BEV Strategy

Now, let’s look ahead. Toyota’s 2026 plan is aggressive. They’ve learned from early missteps and are going all-in on BEVs.

In 2023, Toyota announced a $70 billion investment in electrification by 2030, with half going to BEVs.

Here’s what’s coming:

• 10 new BEVs by 2026: Including a compact SUV, midsize sedan, pickup truck, and luxury models.
• New battery plant in North Carolina: Opening 2025. Will produce batteries for 1.25 million EVs/year.
• Solid-state batteries by 2027–2028: Promises 750-mile range and 10-minute charging.
• BEV sales target: 1.5 million annually by 2026 (up from ~50,000 in 2023).

That’s a 30x increase in just 3 years. Ambitious? Yes. Possible? Maybe.

To hit 1.5 million BEVs, Toyota needs:

• Fast production scaling
• Affordable pricing (under $35,000 models planned)
• Strong U.S. and China sales (their two biggest EV markets)

Real-world example: In 2023, Tesla sold 1.8 million BEVs. Toyota wants to hit 83% of that volume by 2026. That’s why how many electric cars did Toyota sell in 2020 and what’s next for 2026 is such a critical question.

Step 6: Compare Toyota to Competitors (2020 vs. 2026)

To understand Toyota’s position, compare it to key players:

Company	2020 BEV Sales	2023 BEV Sales	2026 BEV Target
Toyota	0	~50,000	1.5 million
Tesla	500,000	1.8 million	~2.5 million
Volkswagen	230,000	770,000	2 million
Ford	15,000	100,000	2 million
BYD (China)	200,000	1.5 million	3 million

Clearly, Toyota is behind. But they’re not out. Their 2026 target is realistic if execution is flawless.

Unlike Tesla, Toyota has:

• Global manufacturing network
• Strong brand trust
• Dealer network for service and support

But they also face challenges: slower software development, older EV platform design, and skepticism from early bZ4X issues (e.g., wheel detachment recall).

Pro tip: Watch Toyota’s 2024–2025 BEV launches closely. The Toyota Compact Cruiser EV (2025) and bZ3X (2026) could be game-changers. These models will define how many electric cars did Toyota sell in 2020 and what’s next for 2026.

Step 7: Monitor Charging Infrastructure and Consumer Adoption

Sales depend on more than just cars. Charging access, price, and consumer trust matter.

Toyota is partnering with ChargePoint, EVgo, and Electrify America to give bZ4X buyers free charging for 3 years.

They’re also investing in:

• Ultra-fast charging stations (350 kW) for future BEVs
• Home charging solutions (smart chargers, solar integration)
• Used EV market support to build long-term trust

Consumer adoption is key. In 2023, only 8% of Toyota’s U.S. sales were BEVs. By 2026, they want that to be 30%.

To get there, Toyota is:

• Offering lease deals (e.g., $399/month for bZ4X)
• Training dealers on EV tech
• Running EV education campaigns

Warning: If charging infrastructure lags or battery costs stay high, Toyota’s 2026 target could slip. Always track these factors when analyzing how many electric cars did Toyota sell in 2020 and what’s next for 2026.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pro tip 1: Don’t confuse “electrified” with “electric.” Toyota often reports “electrified vehicle” sales, which include hybrids. Always check for BEV-specific data when researching how many electric cars did Toyota sell in 2020 and what’s next for 2026.

Pro tip 2: Track regional differences. Toyota sells more BEVs in Europe and Japan than in the U.S. Use regional sales reports for a full picture.

Pro tip 3: Watch for battery tech announcements. Toyota’s solid-state batteries (2027–2028) could leapfrog competitors. This will shape their 2026 strategy.

Common mistake 1: Assuming Toyota is “behind” just because they didn’t sell BEVs in 2020. Their hybrid dominance gave them time to perfect battery tech and scale production.

Common mistake 2: Ignoring the RAV4 Prime. It’s one of the best-selling PHEVs in the U.S. It bridges the gap between gas and full electric.

Common mistake 3: Overlooking China. Toyota is launching 10 BEVs in China by 2026 with local partners. This market could drive half their global BEV sales.

FAQs About How Many Electric Cars Did Toyota Sell in 2020 and What’s Next for 2026

1. Did Toyota sell any fully electric cars in 2020?

No. In 2020, Toyota did not sell any battery electric vehicles (BEVs) globally. Their only plug-in electric models were the Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime—both plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

2. How many PHEVs did Toyota sell in 2020?

Toyota sold about 35,000 PHEVs globally in 2020. In the U.S., it was 22,251 units (17,979 Prius Prime + 4,272 RAV4 Prime). This is part of the answer to how many electric cars did Toyota sell in 2020 and what’s next for 2026, but only for plug-in hybrids.

3. When did Toyota launch its first BEV?

Toyota launched its first global BEV, the bZ4X, in 2022. It went on sale in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Sales started slow but have grown steadily since.

4. What is Toyota’s BEV sales target for 2026?

Toyota aims to sell 1.5 million battery electric vehicles annually by 2026. This includes 10 new BEV models and a major push in the U.S., China, and Europe.

5. Why is Toyota so late to the BEV market?

Toyota focused on hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells for years. They believed battery tech and charging infrastructure weren’t ready. Now, they’re catching up with a $70 billion investment and new battery plants.

6. What are Toyota’s biggest BEV challenges?

Key challenges include:

• Fast production scaling
• Affordable pricing (competing with Tesla, BYD)
• Software and infotainment (weaker than Tesla)
• Consumer trust after early bZ4X issues

7. Will Toyota’s solid-state batteries change the game?

Possibly. Toyota plans to launch solid-state batteries by 2027–2028. These could offer 750-mile range and 10-minute charging, giving them a major edge—if they deliver on time.

Final Thoughts

So, how many electric cars did Toyota sell in 2020 and what’s next for 2026? The answer is clear: Zero BEVs in 2020, but a bold 1.5 million BEV target by 2026.

Toyota didn’t lead the EV race early, but they’re not out. With massive investments, new factories, and innovative tech, they’re playing the long game. Their hybrid dominance gave them time to build better batteries and smarter EVs.

For you, the takeaway is simple: Watch Toyota closely from 2024 to 2026. Their success or failure will tell us a lot about the future of electric cars. Will they catch up to Tesla? Can they beat BYD in China? Can solid-state batteries revolutionize the industry?

Stay informed. Track their BEV launches, sales numbers, and tech updates. And remember: the answer to how many electric cars did Toyota sell in 2020 and what’s next for 2026 isn’t just about numbers—it’s about strategy, timing, and the future of transportation.

Ready to dive deeper? Check Toyota’s investor page, follow EV news, and keep an eye on the 2025 Compact Cruiser EV. The next chapter is just beginning.

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