Toyota’s newly launched C-HR+ electric SUV has qualified for the Government’s Electric Car Grant, netting drivers £1,500 off the price.

The confirmation has coincided with the start of sales of the midsize battery electric SUV, which becomes a core new model in the brand’s line-up, sitting above the new Urban Cruiser and below the recently upgraded bZ4X. Toyota also offers the all-electric Proace City Verso and Proace Verso people carriers.

Prices for the new C-HR+ now start at £32,995 for the entry-level Icon model, which features a 167hp motor paired with a 57.7kWh battery for a WLTP driving range of up to 284 miles.

Prices for the longer-range Design model now start from £35,495 with the Electric Car Grant. This model features a 77kWh battery and 224hp front-mounted motor for a WLTP range of 347-376 miles. Standard equipment on Design versions includes a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, power tailgate, two wireless device chargers, a blind spot monitor with safe exit assist, heated steering wheel and 18-inch alloy wheels (20-inch alloys optionally available). Wireless smartphone integration can be used with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems.

At the same time, Toyota has extended its EV high-voltage battery guarantee to one million miles driven or 10 years of vehicle age; the mileage limit was previously set at 650,000 miles.

The battery warranty is provided through an initial eight years’ manufacturer warranty from the vehicle’s registration date. An additional 12 months’ warranty is included in every qualifying service at an authorised Toyota dealer, to up to 10 years from the vehicle’s registration date. The battery is further guaranteed to retain at least 70% of its original capacity, for up to one million miles or 10 years, whichever comes first, subject to an annual Toyota EV health check.