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There's no doubt: Tesla's electric vehicles are the talk of the industry, the models of environmental stewardship, the undisputed kings of torque at the drag strip.

Full-electric vehicles are the products at which today's trendsetters — and automakers — throw their money with abandon.

And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Toyota's commitment to spreading hybrid technology across its global lineup a tougher sell.

For Toyota, hybrids become a tougher sell

Plenty of Canadians are having charged conversation about the next car they buy.

“In an Ipsos survey commissioned by Toyota Canada this month, 36 per cent said they’d seriously considered buying a more fuel-efficient vehicle, “including a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fuel cell vehicle” (Toyota doesn’t make a battery electric vehicle yet) – and 52 per cent said they’re likely to buy one in the next five years.

But “electric vehicle” can cover plenty of ground. Let’s look at the different types....

Toyota Australia says the hybrid version of the popular RAV4 SUV has easily outsold the petrol equivalent since its arrival in the Australian market earlier this month – a big pointer to how ready the local market is to embrace electric vehicles and hybrids.

The Australian arm of the Japanese carmaker has confirmed to The Driven that nearly two thirds of the sales of the RAV4 have been hybrids since May 8, indicating a shift in Australian preferences to vehicles with lower running costs and emissions.

Out of a total 1,380 RAV4 sales, 461 have been 2WD hybrids (33%) and 424 have been 4WD hybrids (31%)

Toyota stunned as consumers flock to hybrid version of new RAV4 SUV | The Driven...