Replies to post #28116 on The Rising Influence of Rising Affluence

[DewDiligence]

Toyota’s hybrid vehicles will be around for longer than most activists think.

[n4807g]

Toyota has a point...

[semi_infinite]

TM -Toyoda hybrid vs bev debate. We live in free market societies and capitalism dictates adoption based upon utilization at the individual level, not some societal good arguments. I think Toyoda's math is correct and many realize it. However, individual choice suggests people that can afford bev would rather not get stuck with the complexity of hybrids. IMO TM has a good chance to transition successfully but it will be painful for them. They have the biggest market share to lose and they are losing that share fast in the most profitable markets. Model Y is best selling car in the world for Q1 2023 and tsla is still ramping production.

[biocqr]

TM - Toyota unveils sweeping plans for new battery tech, EV innovation

https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/toyota-market-next-gen-battery-evs-2026-built-by-new-ev-unit-2023-06-13/

Toyota said it aims to launch next-generation lithium-ion batteries from 2026 offering longer ranges and quicker charging.

It also trumpeted a "technological breakthrough" that addresses durability problems in solid-state batteries and said it is developing means to mass produce those batteries, targeting commercialisation over 2027-2028.

Solid-state batteries can hold more energy than current liquid electrolyte batteries. Automakers and analysts expect them to speed transition to EVs by addressing a major consumer concern: range.

Still, such batteries are expensive and likely to remain so for years. Toyota will hedge with better-performing lithium iron phosphate batteries, a cheaper alternative to lithium-ion batteries that have spurred EV adoption in China, the world's largest vehicle market.

At the high end of the market, Toyota said it would produce an EV with a more efficient lithium-ion battery offering a range of 1,000 km (621 miles). By comparison, the long-range version of the lithium-ion-powered Tesla Model Y, the world's best-selling EV, can drive for about 530 km based on U.S. standards.

An EV powered by a solid-state battery would have a range of 1,200 km and charging time of just 10 minutes, Toyota said. By comparison, the Tesla Supercharger network - the largest of its kind - offers the equivalent of 321 km of charge in 15 minutes.

Toyota did not detail expected costs or required investment for the plans.