Toyota will produce the Corolla EV in China starting in 2028, alongside hybrid and gas-powered versions.
The next-gen Toyota Corolla will be an EV, HEV, and gas
Since it went on sale in 1966, Toyota has sold over 57 million Corollas worldwide, making it the brand’s best-selling vehicle of all time.
Like the Prius, Toyota’s compact car attracted drivers with an affordable price and reputation as a reliable daily driver.
After 12 model changes, the next-generation Toyota Corolla is set for its biggest transformation to date.
Toyota revealed the next-gen Corolla Concept for the first time at the Japan Mobility Show almost a year ago. In addition to a pure electric version, former president and current CEO Koji Sato said the compact car would remain “a car for everyone,” with multiple powertrain options, including hybrid and gas-powered.
“Whether it’s a battery EV, plug-in hybrid, hybrid, or internal combustion engine vehicle―whatever the power source―let’s make good-looking cars that everyone will want to drive!” Toyota’s CEO said at the time.
According to Nikkei, Toyota plans to begin production of the next-gen Corolla in 2028 through its joint venture with Chinese state-owned FAW Group, FAW Toyota Motor.
The new Corolla will be the first to use Toyota’s “multipathway” platform that will support electric, hybrid, gas, and other powertrain options.
Adapt or fall behind
Toyota already uses the platform for several models, including under its luxury Lexus brand. By building the new Corolla in China, Toyota is expected to cut costs while speeding up development and output.
In addition to new longer-range electric vehicles, Toyota plans to build extended-range EVs under Lexus in China starting next year.
Toyota has yet to reveal any battery, powertrain specs, or other details. The next-gen Corolla is expected to remain close to the concept with a sleek, almost sports-car-like design. Aside from the huge COROLLA badge on the rear, you can barely tell it’s a Corolla.
In an exclusive interview with Japanese media NHK in July, Toyota’s current chairman and former CEO, Akio Toyoda, warned that the company is being forced to adapt, or “it cannot survive,” amid new competition and technology from China.
The special broadcast went behind the scenes at the “top secret” next-gen Corolla development site.
During the broadcast, several Corolla Concept body types, including a sedan, hatchback, crossover, and GR model, were shown blurred in the background.
The Toyota Corolla EV is expected to be available in single- and dual-motor configurations with a driving range of at least 250 miles.
The hybrid will reportedly use a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. Toyota’s engineers told Car and Driver the system would deliver around 134 horsepower. It’s also estimated to be 10% to 20% more efficient than the current Corolla.
Whether or not Toyota will bring the Corolla EV to the US is still unclear. Toyota’s next-gen Corolla is expected to debut sometime in 2027 as a 2028 model year.
According to Car and Driver, the gas version will likely start at around $25,000, the hybrid around $27,000, and the EV and PHEVs will likely be priced in the $30,000 range.
Electrek’s Take
While the Corolla is still a top seller, it has lost some of its charm as newer vehicles arrive that are more advanced, more efficient, and better looking.
It’s about time for an overhaul. In China, Toyota’s sales dropped by 23%, marking the seventh straight month of lower sales due to weak demand for gas and hybrid models amid soaring fuel prices.
Toyota is restructuring its two joint ventures, FAW Toyota and GAC Toyota, to streamline operations and introduce more advanced tech in China.
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