Toyota has shared new details about its broad lineup for the upcoming Japan Mobility Show 2025, promising a varied selection of premieres across its range. Taking the spotlight is a new concept that appears to preview the next chapter for one of the brand’s best-selling and longest-standing nameplates, the Corolla.

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The concept made its first appearance in a teaser campaign called “To You, Toyota,” setting the tone for its full debut in Tokyo later this month. At first glance, it bears little resemblance to the current 12th-generation of the Corolla.

Instead, it features crisp, modern lines and proportions more in tune with an electric vehicle, hinting at a new design direction for the familiar compact, much like Toyota achieved with the latest generation of the Prius.

A Sharp Exterior Design

The front end introduces a refined take on Toyota’s hammerhead design, with full-width LED headlights merging horizontal and vertical lighting signatures. Gone is the traditional grille, replaced by a narrow lower intake on the bumper and a subtle vent at the base of the windshield.

From the profile, the car presents itself as a sleek four-door sedan that could carry forward the Corolla nameplate. The front fenders appear to host a charging port beside a new vertical accent beneath the mirrors. Other notable features include a descending window line, sculpted side panels, and conventional door handles.

Toyota

The rear view is defined by a clean, integrated ducktail spoiler extending from the sloping roof. Sharp shoulders lead to full-width taillights with pixel-like illumination, and “Corolla” lettering sits across the flat tailgate. The rear bumper adds some depth with a sculpted finish and centered license plate placement.

Toyota has yet to share any specific details about the concept’s powertrain.

More Concepts in the Spotlight

Beyond the main reveal, Toyota is also teasing a collection of other intriguing concepts. Among them are colorful, futuristic vehicles intended for children, a tennis-capable mobility device for people with disabilities, spider-like transporters for moving goods, and a minimalist cab-over pickup envisioned for developing markets.

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All of these will take their place at Toyota’s stand when the Japan Mobility Show opens on October 30. The company also confirmed announcements for its GR, Lexus, Century, and Daihatsu sub-brands, which will be explored in separate reports.

Toyota

We might be living in the age of electrification, with all its highs and lows, but EV and plug-in hybrid drivers still need a shove when it comes to charging discipline. Pure battery-electrics have no choice but to plug in, yet plenty of PHEV owners treat their rides like ordinary gas cars and ignore the socket altogether, according to Toyota’s research arm. It’s baffling really; why pay extra for a PHEV only to use it as a glorified hybrid?

To address this curious habit and encourage better routines, the company has developed an app that applies behavioral science and game-like rewards, turning charging into less of a chore and more of a challenge. The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) says it works, and early findings back that up.

Shaping Better Charging Habits

Toyota explains that technology alone cannot deliver lower emissions. For BEVs and PHEVs to achieve their full environmental potential, owners must charge them consistently and, crucially, at the right times when clean energy sources are available.

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The smartphone application that can help reach this goal is called ChargeMinder and was developed by TRI’s Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence division. Being a prototype means it is not yet available for download from an app store, but is already delivering results in research trials.

Similar to a fitness app, ChargeMinder uses push notifications, streak tracking, and motivational messages to encourage owners to plug in at the right time. It also includes short quizzes to keep users engaged, while access to vehicle telematics and charging location data allows for more personalized suggestions.

Studies Suggest It Works

As noted by Dr. Laura Libby who works at the Toyota Research Institute, “small, targeted interventions can have a large impact on people’s decisions and actions”, adding that “behavioral interventions are inexpensive and can be deployed quickly”.

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Toyota’s research arm performed “randomized controlled trials” in the US and Japan with EV drivers from 12 different brands. Findings showed that “behavioral science-based interventions significantly improved charging habits”, leading to lower carbon emissions. In short, an app that provides timely reminders and rewards good behavior can benefit both drivers’ wallets and the wider environment.

Numbers Tell The Story

The company reports that behavioral interventions increased PHEV charging by 10 percent among US drivers. At the same time, satisfaction scores climbed by 16 percent, reaching a perfect 100. In Japan, PHEV and BEV drivers shifted their charging to coincide with peak renewable energy hours by 59 percent, while also plugging in for an extra 30 minutes per day during daylight.

The next step for TRI is to expand ChargeMinder with more personalized, data-driven interventions. While Toyota hasn’t announced a public release timeline, it’s hard to imagine it won’t eventually roll it out to the world.

Toyota has launched a curious new product aimed at “various mobility services.” The Toyota e-Palette is a fully electric shuttle designed to work with autonomous driving hardware and software, and it can double as a mobile shop or service hub. After years of concepts and prototypes, the quirky EV has officially gone on sale in Japan, though its asking price may drop a few jaws.

From Concept To Reality

The project began with the e-Palette concept, which made its debut at CES in 2018. It was followed by a redesigned version, created for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. Since then, Toyota has continued refining the design, culminating in the first commercially available e-Palette variant.

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Visually, it retains much of the original concept’s DNA. Its symmetrical, boxy silhouette, tiny wheels, and large glass panels give it a distinctly shuttle-like character. The “friendly” face is defined by round LED headlights, customizable digital signage, and a repositioned Toyota badge sitting above the bumper intake.

For production, Toyota added larger side windows and slim indicators on the windshield frame, while the rear end mirrors the front aside from red taillights and solid pillars.

Toyota

Fits Up To 17 People Inside

Unlike earlier prototypes that only offered passenger seating, the production e-Palette adds a central driving position with a yoke-style steering wheel and a steer-by-wire system. The cockpit features a central digital instrument cluster, an infotainment display on the right, another touchscreen on the left, and a fourth monitor for cabin monitoring. Essential functions are handled by physical buttons on twin control panels.

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A low, height-adjustable floor, wide sliding doors, and a deployable ramp make access straightforward, particularly for wheelchair users and parents with strollers. Inside, four fixed seats line the rear, complemented by three side-hinged folding seats in the center. Toyota says the cabin can hold up to 17 people in total, including 12 standing, four seated, and the driver. That’s less shuttle, more party bus.

Buyers can also opt for a wheelchair lock system and a large overhead digital display, echoing public transit design. More importantly, the interior layout can be customized, transforming the EV into an entertainment pod or a pop-up store. Toyota imagines it shuttling commuters in the morning, transforming into a food truck at lunch, then acting as a sports viewing pod in the evening while charging.

Autonomous-Ready Shuttle

While earlier prototypes boasted full autonomy (with an operator for safety), the production e-Palette is currently limited to Level 2 driver assistance. However, Toyota stresses it is “capable of supporting automated driving” through optional third-party hardware and software upgrades called “Automated Driving Kit”.

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The automaker plans to conduct automated driving demonstrations with dealers and local governments in Japan. Their goal is to launch vehicles with Level 4 autonomous systems in the fiscal year 2027, which ends on March 30, 2028.

Fully Electric With A 160-Mile Range

The e-Palette measures 4,950 mm (194.9 in) in length, roughly the same as a Land Cruiser Prado. Where it differs is in width and height, stretching to 2,080 mm (81.9 in) wide and 2,650 mm (104.3 in) tall, giving it a much boxier footprint than the truck-based SUV. It also weighs in at a hefty 2,950 kg (6,504 lbs).

Power comes from a single electric motor delivering 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 266 Nm (196.2 lb-ft) of torque, with top speed capped at 80 km/h (50 mph). That’s a big step up from the 20 km/h (12 mph) top speed of the Olympic Games prototype.

A 72.82 kWh battery provides up to 250 km (160 miles) of range. Toyota claims the battery can charge to 80% in around 40 minutes with rapid charging, or 12 hours from a standard outlet. Furthermore, the shuttle can also serve as an emergency power source.

An Extra-Terrestrial Price

All of this sounds appealing until you get to the price. The Toyota e-Palette is listed in Japan at an eye-watering ¥29 million ($196,400) before options. This is almost double the price of the GR Supra Final Edition, surpassing even the ¥27 million ($182,800) price tag of the Century SUV flagship, making it the most expensive model in Toyota’s range.

Generous subsidies from Japan’s Ministry of the Environment can cut as much as ¥15,835,000 ($107,200) off the sticker, softening the blow. Toyota hasn’t revealed production numbers, but notes the e-Palette will be built to order, which partly explains the sky-high cost.

Initially, the model will be used in the Toyota Arena Tokyo and the surrounding areas, as well as in the futuristic Toyota Woven City in Japan. Below, you can check out videos of earlier e-Palette prototypes.