Toyota study finds North American PHEV owners charge 7 to 9 days out of 10, contrasting with lower European rates
By Eve
A May 2026 peer reviewed study by Toyota's Research Institute North America analysed telematics from over 6,000 Toyota and Lexus PHEVs in the US and Canada. Toyota RAV4 PHEV owners plugged in on 7 out of every 10 driving days, while Lexus NX 450h+ owners charged 8 to 9 times per 10 driving days. Only 9 per cent of Toyota and 4 per cent of Lexus drivers rarely charged. The findings align with 2024 Australian data but contrast sharply with a European study released three months earlier showing far lower charging frequency.
Why it matters: The data informs infrastructure planning and policy decisions around PHEV incentives, particularly as charging behaviour varies significantly by region. For charge point operators, understanding actual plug in rates helps forecast demand where PHEVs represent a growing share of the electrified vehicle mix.