Not Only Focusing On EVs, Toyota Also Continues To Develop Hybrid Cars

JAKARTA - As the world's largest internal fuel automotive manufacturer (ICE), Toyota is also highly committed to working on electric vehicles. They are preparing several electric car (EV) models to be launched in 2026.

But not only focusing on EVs, Toyota also believes that hybrid technology still has an important role in today's market. With this approach, Toyota hopes to meet the needs of diverse customers and provide cleaner and more efficient mobility solutions. This was revealed in a leaked Toyota document when sent to the US.

The leaked document contains a Toyota plan hoping to increase sales of hybrid vehicles. This information was first reported by Jalopnik on Wednesday, May 17.

Documents were recorded in April 2023, coinciding with Toyota's planned announcement of ten new Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) models in 2026, one of which is an electric SUV to be produced in the US.

Toyota does have a high commitment to moving to the electrification segment, but Toyota has never said it will completely leave the combustion engine. Unlike Lexus, Toyota's luxury brand has officially announced it only sells electric vehicles from 2035.

Toyota's Chief Scientist, Gill Pratt, also said that the best approach to reducing emissions levels is to place a small battery rather than install a large battery.

"Time will show that our point of view is actually true. One way or another, there will be a diversity of powertrains used around the world," said Pratt.

It is also stated in the document why Toyota focuses on hybrid cars, one of which is the lack of essential mineral raw materials needed to produce electric vehicles. On the other hand, Toyota is also said to believe in the future of electric vehicles but previously there were obstacles that had to be overcome to achieve them.

In the Asia.nikkei.com report on April 27, Toyota also said that it had prepared an investment of US$334 million or around Rp. 5 trillion to develop hybrid cars in Brazil that could use biofuels.