by Although electric vehicles dominate headlines and political agendas, the path to a cleaner future is not so straightforward. This is the view held by Toyota – the world’s sales leader and a long-time proponent of hybrid technology. While other manufacturers rush towards full electrification, Toyota continues to cautiously expand its electric vehicle lineup while simultaneously developing hybrids.
Despite recent steps with the bZ series, Toyota faces criticism for its slow development of electric vehicles. However, as Chairman Akio Toyoda explains, there is a logic to this. Known for his commitment to a multi-pathway strategy, he once again explained why the company is not following the trend of full electrification.
In a recent interview, Toyoda stated: “When the term ‘decarbonization’ became popular, we as a company determined that our enemy is carbon. We must focus on what we can do immediately to reduce carbon dioxide. This is the basis of our decisions. This has not changed and will not change.”
Why Hybrids Remain Relevant
Toyoda added: “We have sold about 27 million hybrids. They have had the same environmental impact as 9 million electric vehicles. But if we had manufactured 9 million electric cars in Japan, it would have led to an increase in carbon emissions due to the country’s reliance on thermal power plants.”
Although the company head did not provide detailed calculations, his goal was to show that electric vehicles are not always the answer. They have zero emissions during operation, but the production of batteries and the generation of electricity for them also have a carbon footprint. Given the limited charging infrastructure in many regions, hybrids remain a more practical solution in the coming years.
Toyota became a pioneer in hybrid technology back in 1997 with the launch of the Prius. Today, hybrids make up a significant portion of the brand’s sales, being available for almost all vehicle segments. The popularity of self-charging hybrids in Europe and North America confirms that many buyers are not yet ready for a full transition to electric vehicles.
Toyoda, who promotes a strategy utilizing hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fuel cells, electric vehicles, and engines running on synthetic fuel, summarized: “We must consider all options and work in all directions. As a company, we consistently state that our real enemy is carbon dioxide.”
This is not the first time Akio Toyoda has criticized the mindless rush towards electric vehicles. A year ago, he expressed the opinion that a fully electric future could leave many buyers behind.
