Toyota’s Chief Scientist Defends Hybrid Cars in the Age of EVs
Toyota CEO, Akio Toyoda, will reportedly step down in April due to the company's lag in the transition to an all-electric lineup.
Toyota believes that a combination of EVs, hybrids, and green technologies is the most sustainable approach for the future, rather than solely relying on battery-powered cars.
Gill Pratt, Toyota's Chief Scientist, made a bold statement about the brand's long-term strategy for a sustainable future in the automotive industry, emphasizing the importance of diversity in powertrains.
Other car brands such as Honda, Acura, and Mercedes-Benz have announced intentions to switch to an all-electric lineup, while Toyota plans to sell 5.5 million internal combustion engine and plug-in hybrid cars per year, as well as 3.5 million EVs.
Pratt presents a unique perspective on the global adoption of electric vehicles, theorizing that using a small amount of lithium to create 90 hybrid vehicles could have a greater positive impact on emissions.
Pratt critiques rival car companies' EV ambitions, calling them "happy talk" with conditions attached and stresses the need for a mature discussion about the limitations of resources and charging infrastructure.
He believes that reducing total carbon dioxide emissions, rather than relying solely on wishful thinking, is the key to a sustainable future in the automotive industry.
Pratt's inspiration for exploring the battery question further stems from his own family's experience with a Tesla Model X, which is typically driven less than 30 miles a day.
He believes that a variety of powertrains will be used globally in the future.
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