Get ready, Europe! The car that’s been flying off Toyota’s lots is about to go fully electric! For years, the Toyota Yaris has been a runaway success, topping sales charts across Europe. Now, in a move that’s set to shake up the compact car market, Toyota is preparing to launch an all-electric version of this beloved model. This follows hot on the heels of their announcement that the equally popular Corolla will also be getting a significant electric makeover.
So, is the Yaris really going electric? The whispers have been growing louder, and Toyota's own leadership has confirmed the direction. Following CEO Koji Sato's reveal of the sleek Corolla Concept at the Japan Mobility Show, where he emphasized making "good-looking cars that everyone will want to drive!" regardless of power source, it became clear that electrification is a top priority. The next-generation Corolla is confirmed to offer a full spectrum of powertrains, including battery electric (BEV), hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) options.
And the Yaris? It’s next in line for this electrifying evolution. Andrea Carlucci, vice president of Toyota Motor Europe, directly addressed the Yaris's future with electrification, stating, "If electrification is the direction, I think we cannot avoid having a fully electrified version." While he remained tight-lipped about a specific launch date, he acknowledged that it's "quite obvious" it's on the horizon.
But here's where it gets interesting... While an EV Yaris is indeed coming, it won't be ditching its other popular variants. Carlucci explained that the platform needs to be robust enough to support hybrid powertrains, especially for smaller vehicles. This means the next-gen Yaris will likely continue to be offered with hybrid and ICE options alongside the new EV variant.
Sharing is caring (and cost-effective!): The upcoming Yaris will share Toyota’s new platform with the Corolla. This means we can expect a similar approach to design and features across all powertrains, whether you choose electric, hybrid, or gasoline. This strategy aims to deliver a consistent and appealing experience for all Yaris buyers.
The biggest question on everyone’s mind: How efficient will the electric Yaris be? Since it’s built on a platform designed to accommodate multiple power sources rather than a dedicated EV architecture, there are questions about its ultimate efficiency. To truly compete with rivals like the Renault 5 and the anticipated Volkswagen ID. Polo, the electric Yaris will likely need to achieve a driving range of at least 250 miles on a single charge.
A fresh face for a familiar favorite: While we await official details on the next-gen Yaris's appearance, it's expected to draw inspiration from Toyota’s latest design language. Think cues from the Highlander EV and the sharp "hammerhead" front end seen on the Corolla Concept. This updated aesthetic will give the Yaris a more modern edge, crucial for standing out in the growing segment of entry-level EVs.
When can you expect it? The electric Yaris is projected to arrive in late 2027 or 2028, following the next-gen Corolla, which is slated for release later this year or in early 2027.
A sales juggernaut poised for the future: Last year, the Yaris Cross and the Yaris itself were Toyota’s best-selling vehicles in Europe, with the Yaris Cross selling 200,477 units and the Yaris selling 167,019 units. The Corolla range followed closely behind with 155,643 units sold.
Now, over to you! With the Yaris making the leap to electric, do you think it will capture the same incredible demand it’s known for? Will it be your next car? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear if you agree or disagree with this electrifying move!
