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.”

Toyota has been reaping the benefits of a relatively reserved global electric vehicle strategy, but other makers have been diving into the deep end of the EV pool with offerings in virtually all market categories.