Toyota Chairman Claims EVs Emit Triple Hybrids' Carbon

Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda sparked renewed debate by claiming that one battery electric vehicle (BEV) produces as much carbon emissions as three hybrids, reflecting his advocacy for a 'multi-pathway' emissions reduction strategy that includes hybrids, fuel-efficient internal combustion engines, hydrogen fuel cells, and BEVs. He argued that in Japan, where electricity generation still heavily relies on fossil fuels, manufacturing and charging BEVs could lead to higher emissions compared to hybrids, though critics note this overlooks ongoing grid decarbonization trends. However, scientific studies from institutions like Tsinghua University, CATARC, Argonne National Laboratory, and others worldwide consistently show that EVs have lower lifetime emissions than hybrids or internal combustion vehicles, even when accounting for higher production emissions and coal-heavy power grids. EVs typically offset their initial carbon 'debt' within tens of thousands of kilometers, after which their emissions remain significantly lower. Toyota is also shifting focus toward increasing plug-in hybrid (PHEV) production, aiming for PHEVs to represent around 20% of its U.S. sales by 2030, reflecting a more gradual transition compared to some competitors emphasizing pure EVs, though this approach raises concerns about slowing full EV adoption. Despite Toyoda's multi-technology stance, many experts caution that the faster growth of renewable energy and EV adoption globally supports prioritizing EVs for climate goals.