Toyota’s electric vehicle business gained significant momentum during the first half of 2026, with U.S. battery-electric vehicle sales more than doubling compared with the same period a year earlier. According to Cox Automotive, the automaker delivered 21,855 battery-electric vehicles between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2026, marking a 136.3% year-over-year increase.
Toyota bZ Leads Strong EV Growth
The Toyota bZ remained the company’s top-selling electric vehicle during the first six months of the year, accounting for 17,553 deliveries.
Toyota also expanded its EV lineup with two newer models. The recently launched bZ Woodland recorded 554 deliveries, while the new Toyota C-HR EV contributed 3,748 sales during the same period.
Sales accelerated further during the second quarter. Between April and June, Toyota sold 11,826 battery-electric vehicles, representing a 225% increase compared with the second quarter of last year.
During the quarter, the Toyota bZ accounted for 7,524 deliveries. Both the bZ Woodland and the Toyota C-HR EV entered the market during Q2, making their initial sales figures an encouraging start for the new models.
EV Pricing Continues to Shape Buyer Demand
According to Cox Automotive, the average price of a new electric vehicle now stands at $54,532, nearly $5,000 higher than the average price of a new vehicle overall. By comparison, the average used EV sells for $37,083.
The pricing difference appears to be influencing consumer purchasing decisions. During the second quarter, new EV sales declined 22% year over year, while used EV sales climbed 29% to a record high.
The same buying pattern is also evident in the gasoline-powered vehicle market, where shoppers are increasingly choosing base models. Toyota is positioned to benefit from that trend because it continues to offer four new models priced below $30,000.
Competition Intensifies Across the EV Market
Toyota’s EV growth comes as its broader electrified portfolio continues to gain momentum. The company’s hybrid models have become so popular that they now outsell its gasoline-only vehicles in several key markets.
At the same time, competition in the electric vehicle segment continues to intensify. Chinese automaker BYD sold more EVs than Tesla in global EV sales during the second quarter, underscoring how quickly the market is evolving.
Toyota Strengthens Its Electrified Business
While Toyota still trails the industry’s largest electric vehicle specialists, its latest U.S. sales results indicate that its long-term strategy is gaining traction. With new electric models attracting buyers and hybrid vehicles continuing to perform strongly, the company is further strengthening its position in the electrified vehicle market.
