Toyota telah lama dinanti-nantikan untuk serius dalam memproduksi kendaraan listrik. Namun, rather than plunging into the world of electric vehicles wholeheartedly, Toyota has opted for what they call a “multi-path” approach that includes hybrids, hydrogen, more efficient gasoline engines, and, yes, electric cars as well-but the latter category has always felt lacking in their lineup.
The opportunity seems to have been missed for far too long. Let’s face it: a Toyota Corolla EV could be a game-changer for the entire world. And perhaps-just maybe-it could happen. Partly.
At the Japan Mobility Show, the world’s largest car manufacturer showcased a futuristic version of the best-selling car in the world that goes beyond gasoline power, yet remains flexible in terms of powertrain offerings.
The Toyota Corolla Concept made its debut with a new architecture at Toyota that comes in hybrid, EV, or all-gas forms. It can even use alternative fuels, CEO Toyota Koji Sato said in a press conference.
“Corolla has always been a ‘car for everyone’,” said Sato. “To remain that way, how should the Corolla evolve? This earth is vast, and this world is diverse. The roads are different, as is the energy reality… Whether it’s battery EVs, plug-in hybrids, hybrids, or internal combustion engine vehicles-whatever the power source-let’s create beautiful cars that everyone wants to drive.”
Toyota’s approach to electric vehicles may indeed be shifting. Just this year, they announced the highly-refreshed bZ, the larger bZ Woodland, a new compact crossover C-HR, and it seems an electric Land Cruiser is also in the works. However, an affordable electric Corolla could be transformative, if that’s what buyers want.
For a globally beloved car like the Corolla, the “hybrid, gas, and EV” approach is hard to argue with. The car is sold in every corner of the world in various forms, from hatchbacks to crossovers, and powered by small hybrid or gas engines. However, countries are electrifying at vastly different rates, so something as universally appealing as the Corolla needs flexibility in terms of what it can do.
The concept’s design is striking: with the charging port on the front left wheel behind, Toyota also provided clear illustrations of battery charging status. From a design standpoint, the car is much more appealing than previous Corollas, which may be a good thing. It is slim yet angular in black and silver dual-tone colors, slightly reminiscent of the Toyota bZ-though with a more unique front end. Thin LED lights form the headlights and a horizontal bar on the grille. If you can see the resemblance to the previous Corolla, consider your company’s vision plan better than ours.
As with most concepts, the interior of Toyota Corolla Concept looks far more modern. The car offers a three-spoke steering wheel (okay, there is a retro call) in front of a series of wide screens. To the right, there is a raised touch panel with buttons for gear selection, but positioned to provide ample space between the seats. The passenger seat has its own screen in front that reads “designed to win in China as well.”
Toyota did not provide details on the powertrain that will come with this new Corolla. Perhaps the car will use a gas and hybrid version of Toyota’s upcoming ultra-efficient gas engines. Still, it is the electric version that most piques my interest. The world needs more affordable and genuinely good electric cars, and if Toyota gets it right, this car could be a winner.
Toyota will also face fierce competition as the electric car space will become increasingly accessible. Kia EV3 and EV4 are on the horizon, as are Hyundai versions. European car manufacturers like Renault and Volkswagen are launching more affordable options every year. Ford will launch a $30,000 electric truck by the end of the decade. And don’t ever think that China doesn’t have good, cheap electric car options. The Xpeng Mona M03 soon comes to mind as a competitor to this Toyota, but there are many other options out there.
In essence, the upcoming affordable electric car party in the world will not feel complete without the Corolla. And with its flexibility in powertrain choices, the Corolla must continue to offer something for everyone.
