Coming from the powerhouse of the world’s leading carmaker, Toyota is used to listening with some distance to the occasional criticism, mostly directed at itself. late On the way to electrification. With the same sufficiency, the Japanese giant is limited to repeating the same mantra, which mainly consists of affirming that on the road to decarbonization it will continue to use all the technologies at its disposal.
At an event on the 7th, featuring the company’s new president and CEO Koji Sato, Toyota announced new developments in management policies, among other details, which caused considerable excitement. Always true to its “versatile approach,” Executive Vice President Hiroki Nakajima, for example, announced that they are working on batteries for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) that will allow them to travel more than 200 kilometers in electric mode.
“We will continue to adapt electrification to the needs of customers and individual regions, using the strengths and characteristics of each type of vehicle,” Nakajima said, before outlining the brand’s strategy for each technology they are considering. In the case of pure electric vehicles, he assured that they will expand their current range by 2026 with the launch of 10 new models, which he estimates will translate into sales of 1.5 million vehicles a year.
Nakajima promises a completely different electric than the current one, which will double the driving range by using batteries whose efficiency will be much higher, and at the same time will have a more interesting design and driving performance.
Going back to plug-in hybrids, these more efficient batteries will make it possible to extend the electric range to 200 kilometers, he says. In this way, Toyota intends to reposition PHEVs as an alternative to 100% electric vehicles. Nakajima sees them in the future as, in effect, “practical BEVs” as they provide long-distance urban and short- and medium-distance trips without sacrificing the combustion engine that will solve the longest journeys. And without depending on the chances of charging infrastructure.
The problematic part of the matter is that, regardless of the efficiency improvements, such long autonomy suggests larger batteries and therefore heavier, more expensive models that are more likely to break down. This type of car usually takes. Instead, such an electrical range can occur appetizing Convinced of more than one advisability of plugging in their vehicle, which many don’t do and which suggests – yes – the great evil that plagues PHEVs or, rather, their users.
Regarding hybrids, Toyota’s authentic specialty since it commercialized the first Prius in 1997, Nakajima announces future products with high quality and affordable prices, “taking into account local energy conditions and ease of use for the customer,” and commits, in addition to offering . Options “not only for new cars, but also for those already in the market” that add up to 20 times their number.
As for the hydrogen fuel cell, Toyota plans to begin mass production of it, first for commercial vehicles and medium-sized trucks, and later for heavy-duty vehicles.
Late but almost the best
Despite its long experience in the production of batteries and electric motors for hybrids, Toyota decided later than other manufacturers to bring plug-in models to the market or turn on join. Of course, it cannot be denied that he was with them for the first time with such prior baggage. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, launched in our country in the summer of 2021, is the best example of what we say, as well as, of course, the best plug-in hybrid that has passed through our hands, at least in terms of electric autonomy. which can be obtained under his control.
Although we didn’t reach the range of 75 kilometers approved in the WLTP cycle, we came very close to this figure (about 70), which cannot be said for many – in fact the vast majority – of models equipped with the same technology. . In the field of official records, only some Mercedes-Benz models gain autonomy over the RAV4, theoretically exceeding 100 km.
The latest Toyota addition we’ve heard about is the new Prius, which in its fifth generation is set to hit several European markets, including Spain. The successor to the quintessential hybrid virtually replicates the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid’s electric range of 69km, and can also include a roof of solar panels that can generate up to eight kilometers of additional range in a single day and eventually recharge. battery if it is parked in the sun for many days.
Source: El Diario
