The Japanese automotive giant believes that fully abandoning classical cars powered by internal combustion in favor of EVs is premature at best – largely because the technological progress is not there yet and the current market demands are different.
Toyota sees a whole complex of issues with electrification, ranging from a shortage of raw materials essential for traction battery production to severe environmental pollution caused by reprocessing of used batteries. Apparently, the negative impact from this kind of recycling alone can cancel out the advantages of driving an EV instead of a classical car. Finally, many people out there just don’t feel like making the switch in just yet, citing different reasons.
In conclusion, Toyota states its commitment to offering a full range of powertrains for as much longer as possible. It will continue to release ICE cars alongside their hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell versions.
As of right now, the company only has one fully electric vehicle in its portfolio – and a concept car, at that. Browse through our gallery and watch the video for a glimpse of the bZ4X Concept.