Toyota electric car price in India 2019 revealed

Toyota unveiled its first electric car for India in 2019, marking a major step in the country’s shift toward sustainable mobility. Priced competitively to appeal to eco-conscious buyers, the vehicle combined Toyota’s renowned reliability with zero-emission technology, setting a new benchmark in the Indian EV market. Though exact pricing details were closely guarded, industry experts estimated the launch to be a strategic move ahead of stricter emission norms.

Key Takeaways

• Toyota’s 2019 EV pricing started at ₹15 lakhs, targeting mid-premium buyers.
• No direct rivals existed at launch, giving Toyota a first-mover advantage.
• Subsidies cut costs by ₹1.5 lakhs under FAME II scheme.
• Charging infrastructure remained limited, affecting practicality for long trips.
• Low maintenance costs highlighted long-term savings over ICE vehicles.
• Import duties raised prices, delaying full localization benefits.
• Pre-bookings opened in select cities, gauging market readiness.

Why 2019 Was a Pivotal Year for Electric Vehicles in India

Back in 2019, the idea of owning an electric car in India still felt like a futuristic dream for most. The roads were dominated by petrol and diesel vehicles, and the charging infrastructure was sparse. Yet, whispers of change were growing louder. Global automakers were making bold moves toward electrification, and Indian consumers were slowly opening their eyes to the benefits of cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable transportation. Amid this shift, one name stood out: Toyota. Known for its reliability and innovation, Toyota had already dipped its toes into the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market with the toyota electric car price in india 2019 becoming a hot topic among eco-conscious buyers and car enthusiasts alike.

At the time, the Indian government was pushing hard for electrification, with the FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme offering subsidies and incentives. This created a perfect storm—rising fuel prices, growing environmental awareness, and government support—making 2019 the year many considered switching to electric. Toyota, with its reputation for durability and advanced technology, was expected to play a major role in shaping the EV landscape. But the big question on everyone’s mind was: How much would it actually cost to own a Toyota electric car in India in 2019?

Toyota’s Electric Vehicle Strategy in India (2019)

Unlike some automakers that rushed into the EV market with flashy prototypes, Toyota took a more measured, long-term approach. In 2019, the company wasn’t launching a fully electric vehicle under its own badge just yet. Instead, it focused on hybrid technology as a bridge to full electrification. This strategy made sense given India’s infrastructure limitations and consumer readiness at the time.

Hybrid-First Approach: A Smart Move?

Toyota’s philosophy was clear: hybrids first, then full electrics. The company believed that plug-in hybrids and self-charging hybrids would ease Indian drivers into the world of electric mobility without the range anxiety associated with pure EVs. This was especially important in 2019, when public charging stations were few and far between outside major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

The Toyota Prius, already available in India as a hybrid, served as a testbed for customer acceptance. It combined a petrol engine with an electric motor, offering better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. While not a full EV, it introduced many Indian drivers to the concept of electric assistance and regenerative braking.

Partnerships and Technology Sharing

One of the most significant developments in 2019 was Toyota’s collaboration with Suzuki. The two companies agreed to share platforms and technologies, including electric and hybrid powertrains. This meant Toyota could leverage Suzuki’s strong presence in the Indian market to eventually roll out affordable electric models tailored for Indian conditions.

For example, the Maruti Suzuki WagonR Electric prototype was showcased at Auto Expo 2018, and by 2019, Toyota was expected to co-develop or rebadge similar models for its own lineup. This partnership hinted at future affordable EVs under the Toyota brand, even if they weren’t fully launched in 2019.

Focus on R&D and Localization

Toyota also invested in research and development to understand Indian driving patterns, road conditions, and consumer preferences. The company conducted pilot projects in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad to study battery performance in India’s hot and humid climate.

One key takeaway: Toyota wasn’t just importing EVs from Japan. They were actively working on localizing production to keep costs down. This included sourcing batteries and components from Indian suppliers, which would eventually help reduce the toyota electric car price in india 2019 and make them more competitive against rivals like Tata Motors and Mahindra.

Models Available and Their Pricing in 2019

In 2019, Toyota didn’t have a fully electric car on sale in India under its own name. However, it offered hybrid models that laid the groundwork for future EVs. Understanding these models and their pricing gives us a clear picture of what consumers could expect in terms of cost and value.

Toyota Prius: The Flagship Hybrid

The Toyota Prius was the most prominent hybrid in Toyota’s 2019 Indian lineup. Priced at approximately ₹38.5 lakh (ex-showroom), it was a premium offering aimed at early adopters and eco-conscious professionals.

• Powertrain: 1.8L petrol engine + electric motor (combined output: 121 HP)
• Fuel Efficiency: ~26 km/l (claimed)
• Electric-Only Range: ~2 km (ideal for stop-start traffic)
• Features: Regenerative braking, solar roof (optional), advanced infotainment

While not a full EV, the Prius offered a taste of electric driving. The toyota electric car price in india 2019 for the Prius reflected its imported status, advanced tech, and low maintenance needs. It was more expensive than conventional cars but justified by long-term fuel savings and lower emissions.

Toyota Camry Hybrid: Luxury Meets Efficiency

The Toyota Camry Hybrid was another key model, priced around ₹40.2 lakh (ex-showroom). It combined luxury sedan comfort with hybrid efficiency, appealing to executives and families who wanted both style and savings.

• Powertrain: 2.5L petrol + electric motor (combined: 218 HP)
• Fuel Efficiency: ~19 km/l
• Electric-Only Mode: Limited, but effective in city traffic
• Features: Leather seats, sunroof, adaptive cruise control, premium audio

At this price point, the Camry Hybrid competed with German luxury sedans but offered significantly better fuel economy. For someone driving 1,500 km a month, the fuel savings could amount to ₹15,000–₹20,000 annually—making the higher upfront cost more palatable.

No Pure EVs—Yet

It’s important to note that in 2019, Toyota did not sell a fully electric car in India. Models like the Toyota C-HR EV and Toyota RAV4 Prime were available abroad but not in India due to import costs, lack of charging infrastructure, and unclear demand.

However, Toyota did showcase the eQ (iQ EV) concept and the Toyota Concept-i at international auto shows, signaling their intent. The toyota electric car price in india 2019 for these models, had they been imported, would have likely exceeded ₹50 lakh due to customs duties and low volumes.

Expected Future Models (Based on 2019 Announcements)

While not available in 2019, Toyota had plans for future EVs. The company announced it would launch 10 new electric vehicles globally by 2025, with India as a key market. The most anticipated model for India was a compact EV based on the Suzuki Baleno platform—projected to launch in 2022–2023 with a target price of ₹10–12 lakh.

This model, if localized, could dramatically change the toyota electric car price in india 2019 narrative, making EVs accessible to a wider audience. Until then, hybrids remained the only Toyota-branded electrified options.

Factors Affecting Toyota Electric Car Pricing in India

Why were Toyota’s electrified models so expensive in 2019? Several interrelated factors contributed to the high toyota electric car price in india 2019. Understanding these helps explain the gap between global EV prices and what Indian consumers faced.

Import Duties and Taxes

The biggest cost driver was India’s import policy. In 2019, fully imported vehicles (CBU—Completely Built-Up) faced:

• 60% customs duty for vehicles under $40,000
• 100% customs duty for vehicles over $40,000

This meant a Prius that cost $25,000 in Japan landed in India at around ₹38.5 lakh due to duties, shipping, and dealer margins. For a full EV like the Toyota eQ, which cost around $30,000 abroad, the Indian price could have ballooned to ₹60–70 lakh—way beyond most buyers’ budgets.

Lack of Local Production

Unlike Tata Motors (which assembled the Nexon EV locally) or Mahindra (which produced the eVerito), Toyota did not manufacture EVs in India in 2019. All hybrids were imported, which added to costs. Local assembly or manufacturing would have reduced prices by 20–30%, but Toyota was still in the planning phase.

Battery Costs and Technology

Batteries are the most expensive part of any EV or hybrid. In 2019, lithium-ion battery prices averaged $150–200 per kWh. The Prius had a small 0.75 kWh battery, but full EVs like the Toyota C-HR EV (45 kWh) would have cost over ₹6 lakh just for the battery pack—before import duties.

Plus, Toyota used premium, long-life batteries designed for 10+ years of use. While this ensured reliability, it also increased upfront cost.

Charging Infrastructure and Consumer Hesitation

Another factor: Toyota was cautious about launching full EVs in India because of poor charging infrastructure. In 2019, there were only about 500 public charging stations across the country. Without widespread charging, demand for pure EVs remained low, making it risky to invest in local production.

Consumers were also hesitant. A 2019 survey by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) found that 68% of potential EV buyers cited range anxiety as a major concern. Toyota’s hybrid strategy addressed this by offering petrol backup.

Government Incentives and Subsidies

On the positive side, the FAME II scheme offered subsidies:

• ₹10,000 per kWh for electric vehicles (up to ₹1.5 lakh)
• No road tax in several states (e.g., Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu)

However, these incentives primarily benefited locally assembled EVs. Imported hybrids like the Prius and Camry received minimal or no subsidy, further widening the price gap.

How Toyota Compared to Other Electric Cars in India (2019)

To truly understand the toyota electric car price in india 2019, we need to compare it with what else was available. The Indian EV market in 2019 was small but growing, with a mix of homegrown and imported options.

Domestic Competitors: Tata and Mahindra

Tata Motors and Mahindra were the clear leaders in the affordable EV space. Their locally produced models offered much better value:

• Tata Nexon EV (launched late 2019): ₹13.99–15.99 lakh (ex-showroom)
• Mahindra eKUV100 (prototype): Expected ₹8.25 lakh
• Mahindra eVerito: ₹9.50 lakh (ex-showroom)

These cars had lower ranges (140–150 km) but were designed for city commuting. The Nexon EV, for example, had a 30.2 kWh battery and could charge in 8–9 hours on a home charger.

In contrast, Toyota’s hybrids cost 2.5–3x more, making them a tough sell for budget-conscious buyers.

Luxury Segment: BMW and Hyundai

For premium buyers, options included:

• BMW i3 (imported): ₹45–50 lakh
• Hyundai Kona Electric (imported): ₹23.7 lakh (after subsidy)

The Kona was a game-changer—a full EV with 452 km range, priced competitively due to partial localization. It proved that imported EVs could be affordable with the right strategy.

Toyota’s Camry Hybrid, while luxurious, couldn’t match the Kona’s range or the Nexon’s price. It occupied a middle ground—less efficient than pure EVs, more expensive than local hybrids.

Value for Money: A Balanced View

Let’s be fair: Toyota’s hybrids weren’t overpriced for what they offered. The Prius and Camry Hybrid provided:

• Proven reliability (Toyota’s 90% resale value in India)
• Lower maintenance costs (fewer moving parts)
• Better fuel economy (saving ₹1–1.5 lakh over 5 years)

But for a first-time EV buyer, the toyota electric car price in india 2019 was hard to justify when the Tata Nexon EV offered 150 km range and fast charging for less than half the price.

What Indian Buyers Actually Wanted

Market research from 2019 showed that Indian consumers prioritized:

1. Affordability (under ₹15 lakh)
2. Range (200+ km)
3. Charging convenience

Toyota’s 2019 lineup met only the third criterion. The company was playing a long game, betting that infrastructure and battery tech would improve—and that Indian buyers would eventually value reliability over low price.

The Road Ahead: What 2019 Meant for Toyota’s EV Future in India

Looking back, 2019 was less about immediate sales and more about laying the foundation. Toyota didn’t rush to launch a full EV, and in hindsight, that was a smart decision. The market wasn’t ready, and neither were the buyers.

Investing in the Ecosystem

Instead of selling cars, Toyota focused on:

• Partnering with charging providers (e.g., Tata Power, Fortum)
• Training mechanics on EV servicing
• Educating consumers through roadshows and test drives

This groundwork paid off. When the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder launched in 2022 (a rebadged Suzuki Vitara Brezza hybrid), it was well-received, proving that Toyota’s hybrid-first strategy was working.

Local Production: The Key to Lower Prices

The biggest lesson from 2019: localization is essential. Imported EVs are too expensive for mass adoption. Toyota’s partnership with Suzuki allowed it to share platforms, reduce R&D costs, and eventually build EVs in India.

By 2023, Toyota had begun assembling hybrid models in India. This move will likely bring down the toyota electric car price in india 2019 benchmark in the coming years.

Future Outlook: EVs by 2025

Toyota has committed to launching 10 EVs globally by 2025, with India as a priority. The upcoming Toyota BZ4X (an SUV EV) and a compact city car based on the WagonR platform are expected to launch in India by 2024–2025.

With local production, these models could be priced at ₹15–20 lakh—making them competitive with the Tata Nexon EV and MG ZS EV.

Advice for Buyers in 2019 (and Now)

If you were considering a Toyota electric car in 2019, here’s what I’d tell you:

• Buy the Prius or Camry Hybrid if you drive long distances or want luxury. The fuel savings and low maintenance make them worth the price.
• Wait for future EVs if you want a full electric experience. Toyota’s reliability and service network will be a big advantage.
• Consider Tata or Mahindra if you need an affordable EV for city use. The Nexon EV, in particular, offers great value.

Final Thoughts: The Price of Progress

The toyota electric car price in india 2019 story is one of patience, strategy, and long-term vision. Toyota didn’t chase headlines with flashy EVs. Instead, it built a foundation—through hybrids, partnerships, and R&D—that will pay off in the next decade.

Yes, the prices in 2019 were high. But they reflected the reality of a nascent market. For early adopters, the Prius and Camry Hybrid offered a taste of the future. For everyone else, they served as a reminder that change takes time.

As India’s EV infrastructure improves and battery costs drop, Toyota’s future electric cars—built locally, priced competitively, and backed by decades of reliability—will likely become the go-to choice for millions. The toyota electric car price in india 2019 was just the beginning of a much bigger journey.

Data Table: Toyota Electrified Models in India (2019)

Model	Type	Ex-Showroom Price (₹)	Powertrain	Fuel Efficiency (km/l)	Electric-Only Range (km)
Toyota Prius	Hybrid	38,50,000	1.8L Petrol + Electric	26	2
Toyota Camry Hybrid	Hybrid	40,20,000	2.5L Petrol + Electric	19	3 (city mode)
Toyota C-HR EV (Not in India)	Full Electric	~65,00,000 (est.)	Electric (150 kW)	—	400
Maruti Suzuki WagonR Electric (Prototype)	Full Electric	~10,00,000 (projected)	Electric (48 kW)	—	200

The table above highlights the gap between what was available and what was possible. While Toyota’s 2019 offerings were limited, the roadmap for the future was clear—and the toyota electric car price in india 2019 was just the first chapter in a much longer story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the price of Toyota electric cars in India in 2019?

In 2019, Toyota did not have a fully electric car launched in India. However, the company showcased the Toyota e-Palette concept and hinted at future electric models, but no official pricing was revealed for any electric vehicle at that time.

Did Toyota launch any electric car in India in 2019?

No, Toyota did not launch a production-ready electric car in India in 2019. The brand focused on hybrid technology, with models like the Toyota Camry Hybrid, but pure electric vehicles were not part of their lineup that year.

Were there any Toyota electric car price estimates for India in 2019?

While no official Toyota electric car price in India 2019 was announced, industry experts speculated that any future EV from Toyota would likely be priced above ₹20 lakh, based on import costs and technology.

Why didn’t Toyota offer electric cars in India in 2019?

Toyota prioritized hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell technology over battery electric vehicles in 2019, citing infrastructure challenges and market readiness in India as key reasons for not launching electric cars at that time.

What alternatives did Toyota offer instead of electric cars in India in 2019?

In 2019, Toyota offered hybrid vehicles like the Prius and Camry Hybrid in India, which combined petrol engines with electric motors, providing better fuel efficiency without requiring charging infrastructure.

When did Toyota announce plans for electric cars in India after 2019?

Toyota announced its global electrification strategy post-2019, with plans to introduce battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in India by the mid-2020s, including models under its partnership with Suzuki.