Electrifying things are ahead for Toyota in North America in 2021. Its electrified models have been in the US since around 25 years ago, when the Prius launched. For a more shocking development, its regional arm disclosed plans to introduce three new electrified models in the U.S. this year—two battery electric vehicles and a plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV).
EV Models To Account For 40% Of New Vehicle Sales By 2025
The introduction of three new electrified models is expected to expand Toyota's U.S. powertrain lineup, giving customers more vehicle choices. With these new offerings, Toyota expects to further its lead in the alternative powertrain vehicle market, where it commands an overwhelming 40% share. Moreover, Toyota accounts for 75% of the fuel cell market and 64% of the hybrids and plug-in sales in the US.
Nonetheless, Toyota is setting a higher goal: electrified models accounting for 40% of new vehicle sales by 2025, and 70% by 2030. In comparison, General Motors—considered the largest carmaker in the U.S. in terms of sales—is ditching all its combustion engine-powered models by 2035.
All Toyota And Lexus Models To Offer Electric Versions
As part of the carmaker's environmental commitment made in 2015—dubbed the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050—the Japanese auto giant wants all its models (including that of Lexus) to have an electrified versions by 2025. The challenge has also prompted Toyota to commence development of a dedicated BEV platform (e-TNGA) that allows flexibility for any drive configuration.
Such commitments also entail reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally, and electrification is one solution found to reduce total carbon emissions. According to Toyota research, BEVs and PHEVs have similar GHGs when other factors are considered (such as pollutants created by electricity production), with both offering similar environmental benefits.
Product Offerings With Various Forms Of Electrification
Thus, Toyota won't offer purely electric models just like GM envisions itself doing by 2035. Instead, the Japanese carmaker will be offering diversified products with multiple forms of electrification. Toyota believes this enables customers to pick the model that best suits them while still helping to reduce GHG emissions.
Further environment targets for Toyota includes: reducing carbon dioxide from its operations, cutting overall water usage per vehicle produced, buying less plastic packaging materials, and developing a habitat management policy.
Source: Toyota