In the pursuit of combating climate change in the automotive sector, Toyota Motor Corp’s top scientist highlighted that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) cannot be the exclusive answer due to resource constraints. The scientist expressed concerns that an exclusive focus on BEVs might discourage some drivers from transitioning away from polluting vehicles.
Criticism from investors and environmental groups has been directed towards Toyota (7203.T) for its perceived slow adoption of BEVs, particularly when compared to industry leader Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) and other manufacturers catering to the increasing global demand.
Toyota, the world’s largest automaker in terms of sales, has consistently defended its position by emphasizing that BEVs are just one of the available options. The company believes that gasoline-electric hybrids, such as their groundbreaking Prius model, offer a more practical choice for certain markets and drivers.
Gill Pratt, the CEO of the Toyota Research Institute, acknowledged the potential positive impact of BEVs in countries like Norway, where ample renewable infrastructure exists. However, in regions where coal is still heavily relied upon for power generation, hybrids prove to be more effective in reducing CO2 emissions.
Pratt emphasized that while battery materials and renewable charging infrastructure will eventually become more abundant, the process of scaling up battery material mines, renewable power generation, transmission lines, and seasonal energy storage facilities will require several decades.
Toyota, aiming to sell 1.5 million battery-powered cars by 2026 and introduce 10 new fully electric models, has consistently argued that carbon neutrality will require a combination of hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles.
Last year, it was reported by Reuters that Toyota’s former CEO, Akio Toyoda, had actively lobbied the Japanese government to ensure equal support for hybrid vehicles alongside BEVs to maintain the auto industry’s backing.
Toyoda, who currently serves as the chairman of Toyota, reiterated the importance of both BEVs and hydrogen as crucial options for achieving carbon neutrality during his discussion with reporters.
