An electric Toyota Yaris is expected to be released in the future, but not at this moment.

      I remain convinced that most car models will transition to electric at some point, though some may take longer than others. For instance, there will indeed be an electric Toyota Yaris, but not right now, as stated by Andrea Carlucci, Toyota Europe’s product and marketing director, to Autocar.

      “This is the plan, but currently it's not something we are discussing,” Carlucci mentioned. “We have purposefully chosen to commence our electric vehicle sales in the fastest-growing segments (C, D, and E). The appropriate time will come, but that’s not quite now.”

      However, this doesn’t imply that an electric Yaris is too far in the future; we might see one by 2030. Toyota is expected to launch three new EVs by 2026, which will likely include a pickup truck, an SUV, and a “fastback,” according to Autocar. When it does arrive, it is anticipated to retain the Yaris name instead of adopting a series of letters and numbers like “bZ4X.”

      “There will come a time and place,” remarked Scott Thompson, head of Toyota UK. “For us, it’s all about having the right vehicle, in the right location at the right time. Currently, the expansion you’re witnessing aligns with the right segments for Europe.”

      Toyota’s strategy to begin with larger EVs makes sense. Investing in EVs is costly, and larger vehicles tend to have better profit margins. Additionally, it’s easier to integrate batteries into larger vehicles with higher ride heights. The current Yaris generation is relatively new, having launched in 2020, so Toyota could extend its lifecycle until it’s ready for a new, potentially electric Yaris.

      The impact on North American markets remains uncertain. The U.S. doesn’t even offer the standard Yaris since the demand for supermini hatchbacks is insufficient, making an electric variant seem improbable. However, should the electric Yaris succeed in other markets, it might encourage Toyota to develop an electric Corolla, which we would likely receive.

      The pressing question isn’t when the electric Yaris will debut or which markets will receive it, but rather: Will there be an electric GR Yaris? My genuine hope is that there will be. Even if North America doesn’t get the electric GR Yaris, there’s a chance we could see an electric GR Corolla, just as the gasoline-powered GRolla followed the GR Yaris. I believe we can all agree that would be fantastic.

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