Toyota’s beloved compact car is finally going fully electric. The company confirmed an EV version of the Yaris is in the works, but it may be a while before you can get your hands on one. Here’s what we know about the Toyota Yaris EV so far.
When will Toyota launch the Yaris EV?
This week, it seems to be all about Toyota. The Japanese auto giant went on the offensive, revealing three new electric SUVs set to launch in Europe by the end of the year.
Although the Yaris is not one of them, executives confirmed an EV version is still part of the plans. Toyota Europe’s director of marketing and product development, Andrea Carlucci, told Autocar that “This is the idea” regarding an electric Yaris.
It may be a few years before we see it actually hit the streets though. Carlucci added, “The right moment will arrive, but this is not quite now.”
Toyota “deliberately decided to start in the fastest-growing segments” with a full range of electric SUVs. The company is launching three new electric SUVs, covering the B, C, and D segments, or “the heart of the European automotive market,” as Toyota called it.
Toyota revealed the new bZ4X, which features notable improvements, including more range, faster charging, and an improved design (inside and out).
The updated model will join the C-HR+, which was also unveiled at the event, and the Urban Cruiser, both smaller electric SUVs.
Although the Yaris EV is still a few years away, Toyota’s UK president, Scott Thompson, confirmed, “There will come a time and a place.” For now, Toyota will focus on “the right segments” with a slate of new electric crossovers and SUVs set to hit the market later this year.
For now, the Yaris Cross is available as a hybrid. Toyota offers several hybrid models in Europe, including the Corolla Cross, C-HR, and RAV4.
Electrek’s Take
The Yaris is Toyota’s top-selling vehicle in the UK, accounting for over 20% of sales last year. It’s also its second best seller in Europe. So, an EV version will be key over the next few years.
Toyota has its hands full with three new electric SUVs arriving in 2025 and another three more next year, which could include a pickup, fastback, and another SUV.
Considering this, we likely won’t see the Yaris EV until closer toward 2030. By then, Toyota is promising significant improvements in battery, software, and other EV tech which could help it compete with low-cost rivals from China and South Korea.
Would you buy an electric Yaris? If so, how much would you expect to pay, and what specs would you look for? In the UK, the Yaris Hybrid starts at £23,140, or around $30,000.
Author: Peter Johnson
Source: Electrek
