Perhaps Toyota isn’t seeing profit in them? I wish I could find the list again of the top 100 cars for lowest depreciation. There were only two hybrids on it, both Prius’. Not one EV
Toyota Led on Clean Cars. Now Critics Say It Works to Delay Them.
The Toyota Prius hybrid was a milestone in the history of clean cars, attracting millions of buyers worldwide who could do their part for the environment while saving money on gasoline.
But in recent months, Toyota, one of the world’s largest automakers, has quietly become the industry’s strongest voice opposing an all-out transition to electric vehicles — which proponents say is critical to fighting climate change.
Last month, Chris Reynolds, a senior executive who oversees government affairs for the company, traveled to Washington for closed-door meetings with congressional staff members and outlined Toyota’s opposition to an aggressive transition to all-electric cars. He argued that gas-electric hybrids like the Prius and hydrogen-powered cars should play a bigger role, according to four people familiar with the talks. (snip)
The recent push in Washington follows Toyota’s worldwide efforts — in markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and Australia — to oppose stricter car emissions standards or fight electric vehicle mandates. For example, executives at Toyota’s Indian subsidiary publicly criticized India’s target for 100 percent electric vehicle sales by 2030, saying it was not practical.
Together with other automakers, Toyota also sided with the Trump administration in a battle with California over the Clean Air Act and sued Mexico over fuel efficiency rules. In Japan, Toyota officials argued against carbon taxes.
Hybrids make sense. EVs don’t. The average price for an EV is $54000. That’s higher than a fully loaded Sienna or Highlander. And an EV will go a whole lot less per charge. And most people cannot afford that. Even without factoring in tax, tags, dealer fees, can you guess how much a 5 year loan for $54k with $2000 down is at 1.9APR? $909 a month. And that car will be worth crap-all when they go to sell it.
“Toyota has gone from a leading position to an industry laggard†in clean-car policy even as other automakers push ahead with ambitious electric vehicle plans, said Danny Magill, an analyst at InfluenceMap, a London-based think tank that tracks corporate climate lobbying. InfluenceMap gives Toyota a “D-â€Â grade, the worst among automakers, saying it exerts policy influence to undermine public climate goals.
By “public”, do they mean “government”? Explain the costs to consumers along with the limited range and extra time for travel and the citizens might put the brakes on this idiocy. Let’s say I had a Tesla and wanted to head down to Wrightsville Beach for the day. The least expensive is the Model 3, around $39000, with a range of 260-353 miles per charge. It’s around 130 miles from Raleigh to Wrightsville. But, you can hit some great traffic going through Wilmington. What if I need to charge? There’s one station across the Intercoastal. Too far to leave charging and walk. There’s certainly some on the way back. I don’t mind sitting around for an hour, right? Not bloody likely.
In statements, Toyota said that it was in no way opposed to electric vehicles. “We agree and embrace the fact that all-electric vehicles are the future,†Eric Booth, a Toyota spokesman, said. But Toyota thinks that “too little attention is being paid to what happens between today, when 98 percent of the cars and trucks sold are powered at least in part by gasoline, and that fully electrified future,†he said.
Until then, Mr. Booth said, it makes sense for Toyota to lean on its existing hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions. Hydrogen fuel cell technology should also play a role. And any efficiency standards should “be informed by what technology can realistically deliver and help keep vehicles affordable,†the company said in a statement.
How’d the Volt do? Sure, government bought a lot, but, consumer sales were low. Same with the Honda Clarity and most. People do not want this. Has the NY Times replaced their use of fossil fueled vehicles with EVs? Toyota is not stupid. They have a pretty good grasp on what consumers want, what they are willing to pay, and the fallout from forcing this switch. A switch that politicians are mostly not making in their own lives.
Read: NY Times Seems Upset That Toyota Is Working To Delay Electric Vehicles »
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