“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 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.

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.