Toyota Chief Executive Akio Toyoda claims the “silent majority” in the automotive industry is questioning the electric vehicle’s future. Questioning if that is the only way forward. He spoke that with reports in Thailand, where he once again reiterated his belief that the best way to move forward is through different powertrain technologies. It means it also includes hybrids, plug-in hybrids, Hydrogen powered, and battery-electric vehicles.
The statement comes despite the fact that automakers are already committed to all-electric futures. Toyoda told reporters, “People involved in the auto industry are largely a silent majority. That silent majority is wondering whether EVs are really OK to have as a single option. But they think it’s the trend so they can’t speak out loudly…The right answer is still unclear, we shouldn’t limit ourselves to just one option.”
Toyoda has repeatedly refuted assertions across the industry that electric vehicles are the only way forward. He acknowledged that his efforts to convey his point to stakeholders and government officials have proven tiring but told The Wall Street Journal that alternatives to EVs have started to receive a warmer reception among government officials and the media. “Two years ago, I was the only person making these kinds of statements,” Toyoda noted.
EV manufacturers
A number of the world’s largest car manufacturers have made sweeping commitments to electric vehicles. Their combustion-engine businesses are generating most of the profits needed to fund EV expansion plans. During a press event in Thailand where Toyota unveiled an all-electric version of the Hilux, Akio Toyoda expanded on his belief that selling EVs isn’t the only way to achieve carbon neutrality.
“To achieve carbon neutrality, we must remember that carbon is the real enemy, not a particular powertrain,” he said. “And frankly, BEVs are not the only way to achieve the world’s carbon neutrality goals. At Toyota, we believe in creating a full portfolio of carbon-reducing choices for our customers from hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in electric vehicles, battery electric cars, and fuel cell vehicles.” The statement appears to have some truth in it. Where billions of dollars are being invested and there is no assurance of whether it will all work out. There are many challenges that are yet to be overcome with respect to adopting EVs. While the installation of EV chargers is one thing, the other major aspect is the technology development and its affordability. Having decent features for an electric vehicle at the price of an ICE vehicle is challenging.
