One of the world's best-known car nameplates is getting a battery-electric version. Electrek reports that Toyota will produce the Corolla EV in China starting in 2028, alongside hybrid and gas-powered versions. The Corolla has been one of the best-selling cars in the world for decades, so an electric variant is a significant step.
Producing the car in China matches Toyota's recent plans for the market. Earlier this week, a Cailian Press brief reported that Toyota will trial in-house integrated die-casting at Lexus's Shanghai plant from 2027, as part of a push to accelerate electrification and regain share in China. Local production can lower costs, shorten supply chains and allow closer cooperation with Chinese technology suppliers.
I have only seen the headline and summary, so I do not know whether the Corolla EV will be sold outside China or what its battery and range will be. The statement that hybrids and gas versions will continue suggests that Toyota is following a multi-pathway approach, offering different powertrains to match customer needs and regional infrastructure. Hybrids have been strong sellers, while pure EVs have grown more slowly in some markets.
For customers, the news may be more relevant in China than elsewhere for now. For the industry, it shows how global carmakers are adapting to the competitiveness of Chinese brands, which are expanding abroad with low-priced electric models. A 2028 date is also a long way off, so plans may change. Watch for more details on the model, its markets and whether other Toyota models receive similar treatment, and for sales data that show how hybrids and EVs are performing.
