Why You Shouldn’t Rule Out A Hybrid Just Yet In Your Quest For Carbon Neutrality

Climate change may be an inevitable fact but we also can’t cripple our lives because of it. Although it looks unlikely that climate change can be stopped in its tracks, there are things we can do to prolong any adverse changes. Being carbon neutral is one such avenue.

To be carbon neutral means to achieve a net-zero in carbon emissions i.e. you remove as much as you emit. This could mean going to work by foot or bicycle. But that isn’t always practical. Even public transportation may not be a viable option for many and as such many of us are still left with driving to earn a living.

One person making a change may not have a significant impact on the environment, but a collective effort would have. And one company, Toyota Motor Corporation, has the aim of contributing to this collective effort, with a plan to introduce more next-generation vehicles that cut down on reliance on fossil fuels. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Long-term Sustainability Goal

Toyota Motor Corporation is not new to the sustainability game. As far back as 1970, it had established the Toyota Metal Co., the first end-of-life vehicle shredding plant, to reclaim materials. In 1992, it formed the Electric Vehicle development division and introduced the RAV4 EV four years later. Since then, it has introduced the Prius hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) among others.

In April 2021, Toyota introduced the bZ, its battery electric vehicle (BEV) concept. According to the company, it has plans to introduce as many as 70 electrified models by 2025.

Last year, Toyota sold two million units of electrified vehicles globally. This list includes 45 HEV models, 4 PHEV models, 4 BEV models and 2 FCEV models.

Covering All Markets

Toyota is continuously developing and enhancing battery technology in-house for its electric vehicles. This is unlike some major manufacturers which rely on external parties for battery technology. However, rather than focus on a particular type of EV, Toyota is providing consumers with several choices of next-generation vehicles.

This is due to the different legislation as well as market requirements and maturity in different parts of the world. Rather than commit fully to BEV or FCEV, Toyota is also continuing development on hybrid systems, which it had first introduced with its Prius.

The Toyota Hybrid System is currently in its 4th generation. The hybrid system pairs a highly efficient petrol engine with two electric motors to provide efficient performance with a longer range between refueling. A hybrid system is a more advantageous set-up than BEV, FCEV or even PHEV (plug-in hybrid) in certain settings especially where charging infrastructure is in its infancy or non-existent. For FCEV, there needs to be a sufficient network of hydrogen filling stations.

With HEVs, there is neither range anxiety nor the need for charging as that is done while the car is in motion. There is also no need for new charging infrastructure as it relies on the internal combustion engine, which already has a very established refueling network. Although fossil fuel is still used, the electric motors take work away from the engine at initial acceleration, and while cruising or idling, thus allowing the car a higher driving range than one without the system.

Keeping Things Affordable and Accessible

In simple terms, using a hybrid system is enhancing and optimising an already existing powertrain. It may not seem like a jump in technology, but it is a more financially viable method since ultimately, consumers still look at the price. Because new and cutting edge technology always comes with a high price tag, it presents a barrier to ownership. And one of the key factors in bringing prices down significantly is that mass consumer adoption has to happen in a fairly short period. This is why BEVs are still out of reach for many to own.

According to Toyota, its hybrid system is typically a little higher in cost to produce than its conventional internal combustion counterpart. However, the company sees this as a more manageable factor for car buyers to accept. Especially when they can benefit from longer driving range, while aiming for a more sustainable form of mobility.

Price is also largely attributed as one of the factors in Toyota Thailand recording a more than 70% take-up ratio of the HEV versions of the Toyota Corolla Cross and C-HR.

Improvements for 4th Generation Hybrid System

With several decades’ worth of experience in hybrid technology, Toyota has further improved its 4th generation hybrid system. This includes a more compact motor, transaxle as well as hybrid battery which saves weight and allows more cabin and cargo space. A more compact sized powertrain also allows the engineers flexibility in positioning components to maximize weight distribution and passenger space. In effect, this helps improve driving dynamics and comfort.

Toyota is also showcasing its expertise in hybrid systems through motorsports. Its official motorsports team – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, has built the GR010 HYBRID Le Mans Hypercar for the 2021 season of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

This hypercar features powertrain technology developed in the TS050 HYBRID. It uses a 3.5 litre direct-injected twin turbo V6 engine that produces 680PS, in combination with hybrid power that is equivalent to 272PS. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is a three-time Le Mans winner and the reigning World Champion.

Batteries of the Future

One of the main goals in its sustainability plan is to improve battery technology and reduce its cost. In short, it needs to make future batteries longer lasting with more energy while being more compact, lightweight, and cheaper. A longer battery service life means there is less waste created. And a compact unit will allow better car designs and layout.

Besides the lithium-ion battery, Toyota is concurrently developing bipolar nickel-metal hydride as well as solid state batteries, with the objective of catering to different market requirements.