Discussion with Toyota's Executive Vice President Terashi (2) on 2029 Strategy: Enhancing Vehicle Electrification

In a recent interview published on "THE PAGE," Shigeki Terashi, Executive Vice President of Toyota, discussed the company's approach to electrification and its commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Toyota's strategy for the next 10 years is centred around mobility, with a significant focus on electrifying its vehicle fleet. This includes Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs).

The margin for improvement in environmental impact is substantial, given the large number of cars Toyota sells worldwide. However, the impact on the environment from BEVs retailing for over 5 million yen is negligible due to their low sales numbers. On the other hand, given the huge number of cars sold in emerging countries and their widespread use, a significant contribution to the environment can be expected from mild hybrids.

Toyota plans to release nine electric models between Toyota and Lexus in Europe between 2025 and 2026. This includes BEV technologies produced notably at their Kolín plant in the Czech Republic starting in that timeframe. Toyota's hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) are part of their "Multi-Pathway" strategy, but no exact public release dates for new FCEV models are specified in the available sources.

The interview series, a five-part series serialized by TOYOTA TIMES with the cooperation of "THE PAGE" and Motor Journalist Naoto Ikeda, also suggests that Toyota's decision to release its competitive BEV and FCEV technologies may be explored in the next installment.

Despite criticism for being lead-footed when it comes to BEVs, Toyota has stated its intention to make its developed BEV and FCEV technologies public within the next 10 years. The company's top management is thinking about and planning its future strategy to meet the global trend of vehicle electrification.

Interestingly, Toyota is not limiting its electrification efforts to FCEVs or BEVs, opting for what is most appropriate based on various energy conditions. The company is also embarking on a project to explore the moon, with a goal of having a lunar rover powered by fuel cells traversing the moon's surface in 10 years.

One aspect that is often overlooked in discussions about electrification is the importance of high sales numbers in environmental impact. The number of cars sold, not just their performance or price, determines the actual contribution to the environment.

The media does not often discuss this, but the chaotic image of electrification suggests a complex and dynamic approach by Toyota to the future of mobility. As Toyota moves forward with its electrification strategy, it will be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming years.

Discussion with Toyota's Executive Vice President Terashi (2) on 2029 Strategy: Enhancing Vehicle Electrification