Toyota is introducing plans for a modern take on the internal combustion engine.
This new offer will include compact engines running on green fuels like hydrogen and bioethanol, or in hybrids with electric motors.
This move by Toyota aligns with the global push for carbon neutrality. This new development comes in contrast to company moving towards fully electric vehicles in the industry.
Toyota aims to optimize the engine under Chief Executive Koji Sato’s leadership.
“Each company wants to win, but we can be faster if we work together,” said Sato. Specific details regarding the market debut of these engines remain undisclosed.
Mazda also revealed plans to adapt its iconic rotary engine for electric vehicles after over 50 years.
Subaru’s Chief Technology Officer mentions ongoing work on an electrified Subaru model without abandoning the conventional engine.
Toyota is advancing hybrid technology with plans to shift towards electric motors as the primary driving force in future models, reducing the role of the traditional engine for a greener drive.
Collaborating with Subaru Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp., they aim to meet strict emissions standards with eco-friendly engines.
Toyota emphasizes the economic and social implications, highlighting the challenge of abruptly transitioning to fully electric vehicles due to the significant impact on the Japanese automotive supply chain and the associated jobs.
Professor Takahiro Fujimoto of Waseda University argues electric vehicles still have weak points. “At the very least, I believe the proliferation of and innovations in BEVs are definitely needed. But that argument is logically not the same as saying that all we need are BEVs,” Fujimoto said.
“The carbon neutrality the world is aspiring toward isn’t likely attainable for decades to come. It’s going to be a long marathon race,” Fujimoto added.
