Toyota’s egg-shaped minivan, the Previa, is officially going electric. It will be revived as the first all-electric Toyota minivan. Will the funky-looking minivan find success as an EV?
When will Toyota launch its first electric minivan?
Although Toyota launched Japan’s first “electrified,” or PHEV models less than two weeks ago, we are already learning that a fully electric minivan is coming.
Toyota launched the Alphard and Vellfire PHEV minivans on December 20, offering both gas and hybrid powertrains. The new PHEV system provides up to 45 miles (73 km) of all-electric driving range, while the interior features “the quietness of a BEV.” Meanwhile, Toyota has bigger plans to enter the electric minivan market.
According to a recent report from Japan’s leading auto magazine, Best Car (via Forbes), the Toyota Previa will be revived in 2026.
Known for its egg-shaped design, the Toyota Previa was sold in the US and overseas markets in the early 1990s. However, due to stiff competition from the Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Caravan, and others, the Previa was discontinued in 1997. In its final sales year, only 3,780 units were sold, compared to a peak of around 52,000 in 1991.
The Previa was replaced by the Sienna, which has a much more toned-down design and is still sold primarily in the North American market.
Although Toyota was expected to use the e-TNGA platform, which underpins the bZ4X electric SUV, a Toyota insider said the Previa EV will use the GA-K platform, currently used for the Crown, Camry, and RAV-4 models.
It will be available in both electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options. Like its predecessor, the electric minivan is expected to feature a similar egg-like design for aerodynamics.
The revived Previa was initially developed as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV), but Toyota changed its plans due to a lack of demand and charging. The FCEV model was previewed as the “Fine-Comfort Ride” Concept (shown above) in 2017.
Electrek’s Take
An all-electric Toyota minivan could help the Japanese auto giant finally gain traction in the EV market. Sales of its first electric model, the bZ4X, have been slower than expected due to an early recall and an influx of mid-size electric SUVs, many times with more range and features.
Toyota is known for its hybrids, like the Prius, so it’s no surprise that it will offer a PHEV version. However, without a dedicated EV platform, the electric Previa could suffer the same fate as the bZ4X, with less range and options.
Rivals like Hyundai are also launching their first electric minivans soon. Hyundai is preparing to begin production of its Staria Electric minivan next year. It’s expected to launch in Korea next year, followed by Europe in the first half of 2026. European-made models will be imported to places like Australia and Thailand, two key overseas markets for Toyota.
Recently, reports surfaced that Toyota is dropping the bZ4X (bZ) naming system, so an electric Previa minivan could make sense.
Toyota has teased other EV revivals, including electric Land Cruiser and Supra models. It also just launched the Urban Cruiser electric SUV in Europe. Check back soon for more info on Toyota’s first electric minivan.
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