In the early 2000s, the venerable Prius became a cultural symbol for many people who were not typical car enthusiasts. Its quirky design and ability to sip fuel garnered the attention of the environmentally conscious as well as politically minded detractors who saw it and a wave of other hybrid vehicles as virtue-signaling fashion accessories.

Toyota is currently developing a new hybrid engine for its performance sub-brand, Gazoo Racing (GR), which will give its future models a chance to sell in markets where there are strict emissions regulations.

Toyota is focusing on larger segments before introducing an electric Yaris. Its EU marketing boss said that a Yaris EV will arrive “at the right moment”. The company offers a small EV in Europe in the form of the Urban Cruiser.

“This is the idea, but now it is not something we talk about,” Carlucci said. “We have deliberately decided to start [our electric car sales] in the fastest-growing segments [C, D and E]. The right moment will arrive, but this is not quite now.”

Early Wednesday morning in Europe, Toyota unveiled four new or significantly updated electric vehicles — and Lexus managed to sneak one in, too. Even more enticing than the new product, though, was the teaser that came along with it: a shadowy image that previewed an upcoming electric pickup truck and electric Land Cruiser-esque EV while suggesting both would be revealed by the end of 2026.