Toyota boss Akio Toyoda claims EVs are 'dirtier' than hybrids

Toyoda said that carbon neutrality remains Toyota’s top priority.

Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has raised concerns about the environmental benefits of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). He said that hybrids were more practical and a better bet in reducing carbon emissions in certain regions.

Toyoda was speaking during a recent media interview. He said the carmaker has sold approximately 27 million hybrid vehicles, which he claims have had a similar carbon reduction impact as 9 million BEVs. He also said that carbon neutrality remains Toyota’s top priority.

He went on to add that in regions like Japan, where electricity is largely generated from fossil fuels, producing and charging BEVs could lead to higher overall carbon emissions compared to hybrids.

“If we were to have made 9 million BEVs in Japan, it would have increased the carbon emissions, not reduced them. That is because Japan relies on thermal power plants for electricity,” Toyoda said.

Toyoda is advocating for a diverse mix of powertrains including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cells and BEVs. He also warned of economic risks, suggesting that an abrupt shift to EV-only production could endanger jobs, particularly in countries like Japan where engine manufacturing still dominates.

Source: WhichCar.com