Latest news with #TeslaSuperchargers
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota Gets More Comfortable With EVs, Adds Compact 2026 C-HR SUV to Lineup
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. Toyota unveiled a new electric car today, signaling more commitment to pure EVs after taking a bit longer than its competitors to warm up to the idea. The C-HR hits dealers in 2026 and joins Toyota's first EV, the newly renamed bZ, in the Japanese automaker's slim electric lineup. Toyota hasn't revealed the price yet, but a few signs point to it being an affordable pick. The C-HR has up to a 290-mile range, which is solid for everyday driving but below the bZ's 314 miles. It's also a compact crossover, compared to the bZ's larger body. The C-HR also has a smaller trunk, at 25.4 cubic feet of cargo space compared with the bZ's 27.7 cubic feet. Like the bZ, the C-HR runs on Toyota's e-TNG battery platform and features a NACS charge port, which is compatible with Tesla Superchargers without an adapter. The two cars both have 338 horsepower and charge from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes on a public fast charger "under ideal conditions," meaning drivers will likely experience slower speeds as well. Tech-wise, the C-HR features the same 14-inch touch screen and customizable ambient lighting as the bZ. It comes with two wireless smartphone chargers and rear-cabin USB ports. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. When considered as a whole, the specs for the C-HR and bZ are so similar—and revealed one day apart—that we reached out to Toyota for clarification on the main differences. A spokesperson confirmed: "[The] primary difference comes down to size, it's a bit shorter in length and height. The styling cues are slightly different on the front and rear quarters as well. From a handling perspective, the smaller form will impact overall feel and there will also be some differences in the suspension components, with additional details shared closer to on-sale date." This isn't necessarily a bad thing. It actually points to Toyota trying to create a cohesive EV lineup that it could grow. Most brands standardize the "design language" for vehicles in a similar class, though they have more standard naming conventions than Toyota is offering here. The Volvo EX90, for example, is Volvo's flagship electric SUV, and informs the more affordable EX30. The C-HR will come in two trim options, the SE and XSE. Both have the same 290-mile range, but the top-of-the-line XSE has the option to add on nicer interior and exterior finishes, an 8-way power passenger seat, driver memory seat, digital rearview mirror, traffic jam assist, and lane change assist. It also features a suite of self-driving features, such as pre-collision warnings, pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and automatic high beams. Although Toyota doesn't offer hands-free driving like some others do, the C-HR comes with Proactive Driving Assist. It uses "the vehicle's camera and radar, when system operating conditions are met, to provide gentle braking and/or steering to support driving tasks," Toyota says.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Hyundai's updated Bluelink app simplifies EV charging
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Hyundai has made it easier for drivers of its newer model electric vehicles to find and pay for charging with new updates to its MyHyundai with Bluelink smartphone app, the company announced May 6. The app connects Hyundai vehicles to its vehicle subscription ecosystem. The latest update now allows eligible customers to locate EV chargers, get turn-by-turn directions to the nearest one and pay for charging sessions, all from a single interface. The MyHyundai app also eliminates the need for third-party public charging apps. It can be used to locate Tesla Superchargers and public chargers operated by IONNA, ChargePoint and EVgo. Hyundai EV customers can also set up a 'plug and charge' feature to automatically pay for charging sessions without a smartphone or credit card, per the release. With the exception of EVgo, all compatible charging networks support the new plug and charge feature. Currently, in-app charging and the plug and charge feature is only available for the 2025 IONIQ 5 and 2026 IONIQ 9, but the automaker said it will be made available for all future IONIQ and Hyundai brand EVs. These newer IONIQ models models are currently equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, but all future Hyundai EVs will eventually come standard with a NACS port, allowing drivers to charge at Tesla Superchargers without an adapter. 'With the introduction of plug and charge and in-app-charging features, we are taking another significant leap forward enabling our drivers to use the MyHyundai with Bluelink app or plug and charge to recharge their EVs,' Manish Mehrotra, vice president of digital business planning and connected operations at Hyundai Motor North America, said in a statement. 'These new features not only simplify the charging process but also enhance the overall ownership experience, reinforcing our commitment to making electric vehicle charging more accessible and user-friendly.' The app updates follow Hyundai's announcement in March that its customers gained access to the more than 20,000 Tesla Superchargers, more than doubling network availability for the automaker's current EV drivers. Drivers of Hyundai's other EVs that come with the Combined Charging System (CCS) port, including the KONA Electric, IONIQ Electric hatchback, IONIQ 6 and pre-2025 IONIQ 5 models, can use a NACS to CCS adapter at public chargers equipped with CCS plugs. However, Hyundai previously announced that customers who bought or leased an EV with a standard CCS port before Jan. 31, 2025 can receive a free NACS charging adapter. The adapter is specifically designed to work with Hyundai EVs, including those built on its 800-volt, Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). Recommended Reading Ionna moves forward with EV charging network
Car and Driver
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Toyota bZ Woodland Is the Brand's New Outdoorsy Electric SUV
The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland joins the brand's expanding EV lineup as an adventure-ready option. The new mid-size EV SUV has a 375-hp all-wheel-drive powertrain, an estimated 260-mile range, and a NACS charge port to access Tesla Superchargers. Toyota hasn't said how much the bZ Woodland costs, but we expect the lone well-equipped model to start at around $50,000. If you're like us, when you saw the new 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland, you said, "Golly, that thing sure looks a lot like the Subaru Trailseeker." It's great what two working eyes can do. It's also great that Toyota and Subaru have a strong bond, having birthed the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 sports cars as well as the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ EVs. The latter share a platform with the new bZ Woodland, though it's a half-foot longer and features mightier electric motors. bZ Gets the Woodland Treatment Unlike the regular Toyota bZ, the bigger Woodland variant has standard all-wheel drive, and its dual electric motors muster 375 horsepower (same as the Trailseeker). The Yota also features a battery with an estimated 67-kWh usable capacity, and Toyota says a full charge should provide up to 260 miles of range. The bZ Woodland comes standard with a NACS charge port, meaning it can connect to Tesla's vast network of DC fast-chargers (a.k.a. Superchargers). With the latter, Toyota claims the Woodland's battery can go from 10 to 80 percent state of charge in 30 minutes. Of course, there's an 11-kWh onboard charger too for Level 2 connections that can be installed at home. View Photos Toyota While the Subaru Trailseeker and Toyota bZ Woodland look a lot alike, the Toyota has the brand's "hammerhead" front-end styling, which gives it a more distinctive lighting signature. The dark overfenders, roof-mounted cross-bars, and wavy body lines otherwise overlap. The Woodland has 8.3 inches of ground clearance, and it's available with all-terrain tires—improving its mild off-road cred. Even without the knobbier rubber, every Woodland rolls on 18-inch wheels with removable aero covers. The mid-size EV SUV can also tow up to 3500 pounds. Inside, the bZ Woodland looks like Toyota's other EV models. That means a simple dash design with a high-mounted digital gauge cluster and a 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Every model has heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and the choice of black or brown upholstery. View Photos Toyota The center console houses a rotary gear selector and a pair of wireless charging pads. To spiff things up a bit, Toyota offers a Premium package, which includes a JBL stereo with nine speakers instead of six, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats. You don't need to pay extra to access the Woodland's 30 cubic feet of cargo space, which is about two cubes more than you'll find in the regular bZ. The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland will reach dealerships sometime early next year. As for how much it will cost, we'll have to wait a while for official pricing. However, since it's only offered in a single well-equipped trim, we expect its base price will be a little higher than the Trailseeker ($45,000 est.), so we'd wager the bZ Woodland will start somewhere around $50K. Eric Stafford Managing Editor, News Eric Stafford's automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si.
Car and Driver
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Toyota C-HR: What We Know So Far
Overview After a four-year hiatus, the Toyota C-HR is back with a new look and an electric powertrain. It slots in as a subcompact alternative to the newly redesigned Toyota bZ, which shares the same platform. Under its sharply angled sheetmetal, the C-HR features two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear, granting it standard all-wheel drive and a total output of 338 horsepower. With juice supplied by a sizable 74.7-kWh battery pack, Toyota estimates that the C-HR can manage 290 miles on a full charge. Charging is done via an NACS charging port, which allows the C-HR to charge at Tesla Superchargers. If the C-HR's real-world performance lives up to these estimates, it will be a class leader in both power and range. What's New for 2026? This isn't the first time that the C-HR nameplate has been offered in U.S. markets, as a gas-powered version was sold here from 2018 to 2022. But the 2026 model is a new generation with an electric powertrain. The C-HR is built on the same e-TNGA platform that underpins the refreshed Toyota bZ compact electric crossover and will act as that model's smaller counterpart. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Toyota C-HR is expected to start around $35,000 and go up to $38,000 depending on the trim and options. SE $35,000 (est) XSE $38,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k Toyota hasn't yet released any pricing information for the C-HR, but we know that it will be offered in two trims: SE and XSE. Both trims come well equipped with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate, a 14.0-inch infotainment display, and dual wireless phone chargers. The XSE builds on the SE's standard features by adding larger 20-inch wheels, synthetic suede-trimmed seats, an 8-way power passenger seat, lane change assist, and two-tone paint options. EV Motor, Power, and Performance The C-HR features two electric motors on the front and rear axles, granting it standard all-wheel drive. The combined output is 338 horsepower, which is an impressive figure for such a small subcompact crossover. That is 137 extra horsepower compared with what both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV offer in their highest-output trims. This setup is sure to make the C-HR feel impressively quick. We'll report back once we have a chance to drive the C-HR and can either confirm or deny that claim. 0–60-MPH Times Toyota claims that the C-HR can reach 60 mph in around 5.0 seconds. We'll update this section when we have a chance to test the C-HR's acceleration capabilities for ourselves. View Photos Toyota More on the C-HR SUV Toyota C-HR Returns as a 338-HP EV SUV with AWD Range, Charging, and Battery Life The C-HR uses a NACS (North American Charging Standard) port, allowing it to charge at Tesla Superchargers. Toyota says that under ideal conditions, it can charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes at a Level 3 DC fast-charger. It also supports quick AC charging with its 11-kW on-board AC charger. Unlike the larger bZ, which offers two different battery pack options, the C-HR is only offered with a 74.7-kWh battery pack, which Toyota estimates will allow for up to 290 miles of driving range on a full charge. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The C-HR has a cozy and contemporary interior that incorporates a digital gauge display and a 14.0-inch central touchscreen. Its dashboard design is sleek and uncluttered, with a customizable LED light strip running across it. The wide center console between the front seats features two wireless smartphone charging pads and open storage underneath, although there's no glovebox. As to be expected from an electric subcompact SUV with puny proportions, the C-HR doesn't have much cargo space. With the 60/40 fold-flat rear seats in their upright position, there is 25 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. View Photos Toyota Infotainment and Connectivity The C-HR's infotainment needs are fulfilled by a 14.0-inch display that is operated by a combination of physical and touch controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, which plays audio through a six-speaker or optional nine-speaker audio system. Two wireless smartphone chargers sit below the central screen. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Like many other Toyota models, the C-HR comes standard with a suite of driver-assistance features, including pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. For more information about the C-HR's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Toyota matches what its competitors offer, but it provides above-average coverage when it comes to complimentary maintenance. Likewise, its electrical component warranty is at industry-standard levels. Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles As more information becomes available, we'll update this story with more details about:
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota Renames Its Only US EV, Adds 62 More Miles of Range, NACS Port for 2026
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. Toyota has just one EV, the bZ4x, a name that always seemed unnecessarily complicated. Today, it announced the 2026 model, which will now go by just bZ. Alongside the simplified name, Toyota promises key performance improvements. It's upping the range from a mediocre 252 miles to up to 314 miles, which is more in line with the modern market. The bZ also features up to 50% more horsepower. It will arrive in the second half of 2025 for the 2026 model year. Toyota hasn't revealed the price yet (the bZ4x starts at $37,000). The bZ comes standard with a NACS charge port instead of the legacy CCS port, making it compatible with Tesla Superchargers without an adapter. It powers up from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes, which is a respectable charging speed. Shoppers can choose from several trims with different battery capacities: 236 miles of range, 278, 288, 299, and 314. Each has varying performance and rear-wheel or front-wheel drive. Toyota added a new instrument panel, upgraded center console, larger touch screen (14 inches), and customizable interior lighting with 64 color choices. Toyota also improved the styling all around for a "sleeker, more elegant look." To help preserve range in cold weather, all models come with a heat pump and new battery-preconditioning function to improve charging speeds in low temperatures. To help conserve range, drivers can turn on the heated steering wheel or seat warmers instead of blasting the central heat. We hoped Toyota would release an all-new EV this year, and it still could, but for now, it seems content to make some overdue upgrades on its sole offering in the US. The company plans to launch 15 electric models worldwide by 2027, but it's unclear how many will be available to American shoppers. Toyota's luxury division, Lexus, also makes the electric RZ, which could use a refresh as well. Toyota has been slow to embrace EVs. Its previous president preferred hybrids, at least in the short term, but then he was replaced with an EV-forward leader from Lexus in 2023. That executive change hasn't yielded any obvious changes in the company's EV strategy yet, possibly because the hybrid lineup continues to pay the bills, The New York Times reports. Other Japanese automakers have been similarly hesitant to go all-in on EVs but have warmed up to them more than Toyota in the past few years. Subaru, which previously only had one EV, the Solterra, debuted its second at the 2025 New York Auto Show and hinted at plans for a third. Honda also has just one EV, the Prologue, but it's a hit, and the company has been working on the 0 Series lineup, which debuts in 2026. Japan is much more hybrid-centric as a country. In 2023, hybrids made up 55% of new car sales there, followed by 36% traditional gas cars. EV adoption is at just 2% of new car sales, or even lower than the US's 8% and far below the 20% + in China and Europe.
