Toyota, known for its dependable vehicles, currently offers just one electric model, the bZ4X SUV, while rivals like General Motors and Hyundai provide several EV options. As the industry faces a potential EV slowdown, Toyota’s commitment to hybrids appears to be paying off, with the company inclined to maintain its focus on hybrid technology.
Toyoda’s Warning on Job Losses in an EV-Only Future
During a speech at Nagoya University, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda warned that a full transition to electric vehicles could harm the automotive workforce, particularly those in engine-related roles.
“There are 5.5 million people involved in the automotive industry in Japan. Among them are those who have been doing engine-related (work) for a long time,” Toyoda said. “If electric vehicles simply become the only choice, including for our suppliers, those people’s jobs would be lost.”
Toyoda, a long-time EV skeptic, has argued that carbon emissions can be reduced without sacrificing jobs. He also highlighted the infrastructure limitations in many regions where electricity is scarce.
Hybrids Offer Efficiency and Resource Conservation
Toyota is shifting much of its lineup toward hybrids, citing economic and environmental reasons. An internal document shared with U.S. dealers revealed concerns about limited EV charging infrastructure, affordability, and shortages of critical materials like lithium and nickel.
Toyota’s executives highlighted the ‘1:6:90 rule,’ which states that the resources used to produce one EV battery could instead make six plug-in hybrid batteries or 90 hybrid-electric batteries. These 90 hybrids would reduce carbon emissions 37 times more than one electric vehicle over their lifetimes.
TRENDING | Trump Proposes Auto Industry Revival, Criticizes Detroit in 2024 Election Speech
