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Akio Toyoda Defends Hybrid Strategy, Says EVs Not Yet The Answer
Toyota's Chairman, Akio Toyoda, emphasises the company's focus on hybrid vehicles over fully electric options, arguing that the current global shift to electric vehicles (EVs) may not effectively lower carbon emissions, particularly in Japan. He believes that hybrids are more practical given Japan's reliance on thermal power for electricity. Toyoda also mentioned the possibility of developing electric sports cars in the future, contingent on making them fun and affordable.
Akio Toyoda Defends Hybrid Strategy (Credit: Toyota Times)
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has doubled down on the company’s commitment to hybrid vehicles over full battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), arguing that the current global rush toward EVs may not effectively reduce carbon emissions, especially in markets like Japan. In a recent interview with Automotive News, Toyoda said Toyota’s approach is rooted in practicality and environmental impact, not market trends.
Fighting Carbon, Not Trends
“When the term carbon neutrality became popular, we said as a company the enemy is carbon,” Toyoda explained. “We have to focus on what we can do immediately to reduce carbon dioxide. That is the basis of our decision.”It’s a perspective that has guided Toyota’s strategy for years and one Toyoda insists is grounded in real-world impact, not marketing hype. The company has sold nearly 27 million hybrids worldwide, which he claims have reduced emissions equivalent to putting 9 million battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) on the road.
“But if we were to have made 9 million BEVs in Japan,” he added, “it would have actually increased the carbon emissions, not reduced them.” Why? Japan’s electricity is still heavily reliant on thermal power plants. That makes hybrids, in Toyoda’s view, the more practical and eco-friendly option for now.
The EV Sports Car? Maybe, One Day
Asked whether Toyota will ever build an EV sports car, Toyoda didn’t shut the door completely, but he’s clearly not in a hurry. “There will always be people inside Toyota passionate about developing electric sports cars,” he said. “But for me as the master driver, my definition of a sports car is something with the smell of gasoline and a noisy engine.”Still, he hinted that the moment may come, but only when Toyota is able to make EVs that are both fun and affordable. “Once Toyota has the capacity to offer affordable BEVs, then maybe that’s a moment when I, as a master driver, will be introducing a BEV sports car.”
Racing? Not If It’s Boring
As for the idea of racing an electric car? Toyoda didn’t mince words. “No! It’s not exciting,” he said. “You won’t be able to go around the circuit for more than an hour. The kind of races I enter are mostly endurance races, so with the current BEVs, it’s not going to be a race of the cars. It’s a race of charging time or battery exchange.”That doesn’t mean Toyota won’t ever go racing with EVs, but it won’t be Toyoda behind the wheel. For now, Toyota’s hybrid-first strategy might look like a detour to some, but to Akio Toyoda, it’s the straightest path to cutting carbon without cutting corners.
(Source: Toyota Times)
Times Drive Desk author
A seasoned automotive writer with a passion for all things on wheels. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, covering a wide range of topic...View More
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