Toyota Ae86 Electric
Yes, the AE86 BEV Concept Is an EV, but It Has a Manual (!) and Is a Blast to Drive Lexus engineers have turned an old much-loved Toyota classic into an electric delight. No, seriously. Toyota and Lexus debuted their AE86 BEV Concept (battery electric vehicle) at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show.
The project started with a 1986 Corolla Levin Apex (AE86) powered by a 4A. Discover how Toyota's innovative EV conversion of the legendary AE86 Levin maintains the iconic driving experience while embracing electric power. A must-read for car enthusiasts!
Toyota unveiled two groundbreaking concepts based on the iconic AE86 sports car: the hydrogen-powered AE86 H2 Concept and the fully electric AE86 BEV Concept.Developed by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) and Lexus respectively, these two vehicles showcase Toyota's commitment to carbon neutrality while preserving driving excitement. JDM fans know it: the famous AE86 from Initial D. Now Toyota has converted a similar vehicle into an electric car.
We sat in it. The AE86 BEV Concept uses "electrification technologies cultivated by Lexus," according to Toyota's website, with parts from a hybrid Tundra and Prius. The iconic Toyota Corolla AE86 gets a groundbreaking electric makeover, merging classic drift legacy with cutting-edge EV performance.
This modern twist retains the AE86's lightweight chassis and rear-wheel-drive dynamics while swapping the original 4A-GE engine for a high-torque electric motor, delivering instant power and precision control. Designed for purists and tech enthusiasts alike. Toyota gutted the 1983 Corolla GTS, also AE86, and injected it with electric vim, but refused to abandon the part of its soul that loves a clutch pedal.
Lexus engineers pulled out the classic 4A. Browse and bid online for the chance to own a Toyota AE86 at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Photo: Toyota For the fully-electric AE86 BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) Concept, Toyota has pulled the donor's engine and replaced it with the electric motor from a Tundra HEV and a Prius PHEV battery.