Toyota Indicates Electric Yaris Is on the Way, But It's Not Quite Ready | Carscoops

      The company is emphasizing electric vehicles (EVs) in the compact, midsize, and executive categories in Europe.

      6 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      Toyota is concentrating on larger segments before launching an electric Yaris.

      According to the company's EU marketing director, a Yaris EV will be released “at the right moment.”

      In Europe, the company currently provides a small EV, the Urban Cruiser.

      Toyota is gradually entering the electric vehicle market after years of focusing on hybrids. An electric version of the Yaris subcompact will eventually join the EV range, but it is not part of Toyota's immediate plans as the focus is currently on larger EVs.

      Read: Toyota’s New C-HR+ EV May Launch In The US Next Year

      Andrea Carlucci, the Director of Marketing and Product Development at Toyota Motor Europe, discussed the company's future EV strategy in an interview with Autocar. When asked about the possibility of an electric Yaris, Carlucci stated, “This is the idea, but right now, it’s not something we talk about…” He added, “The right moment will come, but it’s not quite now.”

      Bigger Is Better, for Now

      The executive clarified that Toyota plans to introduce EVs in the “fastest-growing segments,” such as compact, midsize, and executive vehicles, which are perceived to have higher sales potential than subcompact models like the Yaris. Carlucci emphasized, “For us, it is all about the right car, the right place at the right time, it really is. And at the moment, the expansion you’re seeing are the right segments for Europe for us right now.”

      2024 Toyota Yaris (EU-spec)

      Toyota’s current EV offerings in Europe include the newly updated bZ4X, the new C-HR+, and the Urban Cruiser. The Urban Cruiser is built on the same platform as the Suzuki e-Vitara and is similar in size to the Toyota Yaris Cross, indicating that Toyota's entry into the subcompact SUV market allows them to postpone the Yaris EV, which helps manage research and development costs.

      Future Toyota EVs: Familiar Names, Familiar Faces

      Carlucci also mentioned that upcoming Toyota EVs will retain “familiar names from current cars,” suggesting that the electric Yaris will continue to use the Yaris name. Given the Yaris’ legacy, the EV variant is expected to debut towards the end of the decade. Before then, Toyota intends to launch an electric pickup and two electric SUVs by 2026. Additionally, there is a production version of the FT-Me heavy quadricycle in the works, aimed at competing with the Citroen Ami.

      More: Toyota FT-Me Concept Previews Sub-2.5-Meters Urban EV

      The Toyota Yaris has been popular since the first-generation model was introduced in 1999. The fourth generation was launched in 2019 and received a mild facelift in 2024. In Europe and the UK, the Yaris is now only available with a self-charging hybrid powertrain, though a gasoline version remains available in Japan.

      In addition to the Yaris and Yaris Cross, the lineup includes the rally-inspired GR Yaris hot hatch, which is built on a unique chassis incorporating elements from the larger Corolla. Recent reports suggest that Toyota may introduce hybrid technology in the next-generation GR Yaris, utilizing a self-charging hybrid system.