Toyota changes its tune in ‘Haters Anthem’ ad for new EVs [Video]

Toyota is apparently flipping the script by putting “EV haters” in its new electric SUVs to turn skeptics into believers.

Widely considered to be an “EV hater” itself after years of dragging its feet, Toyota is suddenly promoting them in its new “Haters Anthem” ad campaign launched on Monday.

The video centers on turning skeptics into believers by putting puppets that hate EVs in its new electric SUVs to convert them one by one.

Toyota said the ad is designed to show that EVs can fit into any driver’s daily life, or in other words, “how going electric can feel simple, natural, and worth exploring.

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In a second video, Daniel, a real Toyota bZ driver who’s been a barista for eight years, shows how the electric SUV can be used for more than just getting from point A to point B. The 2026 Toyota bZ introduces Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities, enabling you to power small appliances, electronics, a campsite, and more using a 110V outlet in the rear.

Toyota upgraded the bZ (formerly the bZ4X) in the areas drivers look for most, with a longer driving range, faster charging, and an NACS port so drivers can recharge at Tesla Superchargers.

Starting at under $35,000, it’s also among the most affordable EVs in the US. The 2026 Toyota bZ delivers an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 314 miles from a larger 74.7 kWh battery, a 25% improvement from the bZ4X.

Toyota now offers three all-electric SUVs in the US, including the 2026 bZ, C-HR, and bZ Woodland. The C-HR is a smaller, sportier crossover compared to the bZ, while the bZ Woodland is slightly larger and more rugged. Later this year, the 2027 Highlander BEV, Toyota’s three-row electric SUV, will go on sale.

After introducing the upgraded bZ late last year, Toyota’s electric SUV has suddenly become one of the most popular EVs in the US.

Through the first three months of 2026, the Toyota bZ was the third-best-selling EV, behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3. With the new C-HR, bZ Woodland, and three-row Highlander BEV coming later this year, Toyota will offer an electric SUV for just about every driver.

Electrek’s Take

While the puppets are a bit strange, Toyota appears to be calling itself out in the “Haters Anthem” EV ad. The Japanese automaker has been the most outspoken in its refusal to go all-in on pure battery-electric vehicles.

The upgraded 2026 bZ is climbing up the sales charts in the US, Europe, Japan, and other overseas markets. However, Toyota is still standing by its Multi-Pathway strategy, which includes electric (EV), hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

With the new C-HR and bZ Woodland now at dealerships, will they see the same demand as the 2026 bZ? If so, Toyota might just have to change its plans. Given its past, don’t bet on it. At least, it finally seems to be coming around that all-electric is the superior powertrain at the end of the day.

Interested in trying one of Toyota’s electric SUVs for yourself? We can help you get started. You can use the links below to find available 2026 Toyota bZ, C-HR, and bZ Woodland models in your area today.