• Toyota plans to provide what society needs, with or without combustion engines.
• The company still sees demand for combustion engine cars in many regions of the world.
• The next generation Corolla will meet all market demands.

While many automakers rushed to set an end date for combustion engine production, Toyota remained silent. Most of its competitors have scrapped their electric-only plans, and are recommitting to gas-powered cars for the next decade and even beyond. Meanwhile, the world’s largest automaker has invested in a new family of smaller, more efficient four-cylinder gas engines that will be used across its product range.

In a new article published in Toyota Timeits official magazine, the automotive giant explains why combustion engines remain a necessity. Speaking in the context of the hugely popular Corolla, the uneven adoption of electric vehicles makes it clear that the sedan will need to retain its gas engine for the next generation.

‘Toyota often points out when explaining its multi-track strategy that energy conditions vary by region. Even within the same city, some people find electric vehicles convenient, while others prefer hybrid vehicles. There are still many areas where people cannot live without a petrol-powered car.’

2025 Toyota Corolla Concept

Photo by: Motor1 Brasil

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Toyota has the right opinion. Charging infrastructure is still underdeveloped in many parts of the world, so concerns about electric range remain. Many people don’t want to worry about running out of money for long trips and prefer to use ICE cars. Even when charging stations are available, the significantly longer time it takes to recharge the battery remains an obstacle that many people would be wise to avoid.

Although some electric vehicles support ultra-fast charging and certain stations can produce higher power levels, the infrastructure is not yet mature enough for global adoption. The convenience of having a gas station nearby and refueling in minutes remains a deciding factor for many new car buyers.

Cost also plays a role, as price parity between combustion engine cars and electric vehicles has not yet been achieved. Vehicles with traditional engines are still much cheaper to buy, although they have become more expensive as fuel prices rise amid the Middle East crisis.

2025 Toyota Corolla Concept

Photo by: Toyota

It cannot be denied that global electric vehicle demand continues to increase, even as the market in the United States is sluggish. Kelley Blue Book report The share of electric vehicles fell from 8.1 percent to 7.8 percent year on year. Despite the decline, this year is still the second best year for electric car sales in the US

Last year, pure electric cars accounted for 19.5 percent of new car registrations in Europe, particularly in the 27-nation European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the UK. Data from European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) shows a significant increase compared to 2024, when electric vehicles will control the market share of 15.4 percent.

What about China? A study by International Council on Clean Transportation shows New Energy Vehicles reaching a 54 percent share by 2025. However, NEVs also include plug-in hybrids. If PHEVs are added to the European tally, the total becomes 29.1 percent.

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Source: Toyota

Whether you’re team ICE, EV, or somewhere in between (hybrid), Toyota’s next Corolla will have something to suit your preferences:

‘Regardless of energy conditions or lifestyle, we aim to create a Corolla that someone in that location will want to drive. In other words, we aim to build the capability to produce these vehicles efficiently and at a profit. This is the essence of Corolla development planning.’

The thirteenth generation of the world’s best-selling nameplate was previewed last year with a radical-looking concept. Even though it is electric, Toyota is also planning a hybrid version, and a plug-in hybrid cannot be ruled out. It’s unclear whether some markets will also receive the pure ICE version.

We know that Toyota has been working with Mazda and Subaru to extend the life of combustion engines by experimenting with carbon neutral fuels such as liquid hydrogen, biofuels and synthetic fuels.

Toyota’s promise?

‘Make the Corolla of the future a car that meets the needs of diverse customers in different countries.’