Toyota has often been criticized for its limited involvement in the electric vehicle (EV) market compared to its competitors. While companies like Tesla, Volkswagen, and Chinese car brands dominate the EV scene, Toyota’s presence in terms of products and sales has been relatively minor.

However, it is important to acknowledge that Toyota has been working with electric drivetrains and batteries for over 20 years. Despite lagging behind in pure electric vehicles, the company’s experience and expertise in this field cannot be disregarded.

Running Up The Electric Bill

In 2022, Toyota ranked 29th in global EV sales by automakers, delivering only 22,300 electric vehicles worldwide. Numerous smaller manufacturers, including Renault, BMW, Ford, and various Chinese newcomers, have surpassed Toyota in terms of electric car sales. Pure electrics account for just 0.2 percent of Toyota’s total sales of 10.48 million vehicles in 2022.

Toyota’s electric vehicle lineup is limited to three SUVs (C-HR, bZ4X, and Lexus UX) and a family of commercial vans (Proace). In comparison, BYD, China’s largest EV maker, offers 13 different models excluding vans, BMW Group has eight EVs available, and Stellantis has nine battery-electric passenger cars and 15 vans.

While Toyota’s Western competitors were focused on accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, the Japanese company dedicated its efforts and resources to improving its hybrid technology.

Over 25 Years Of Know-How

In 1997, Toyota introduced the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car, the Toyota Prius. This groundbreaking model was the result of Toyota’s commitment to producing low-emission vehicles, as outlined in the Earth Charter document announced in 1992.

Since then, Toyota has sold over 5.05 million units of the Prius across four generations. The company has been instrumental in paving the way for the development and adoption of pure electric cars while consistently reducing the average emissions of its vehicle fleet.

What To Expect?

One of Toyota’s key strengths is its deep understanding of global markets. The company has a strong presence in almost every country, offering a wide range of products that cater to the needs of different consumers. Toyota is the preferred choice for new car buyers in Africa, the Middle East, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. It is also a highly popular brand in the United States, China, Latin America, and Europe due to its reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.

Looking ahead, Toyota’s recent “electric” plans, which include the development of batteries capable of traveling up to 600 miles by 2026 and 900 miles on a single charge after 2028, indicate a significant shift towards electric vehicles. These plans represent just the beginning of Toyota’s recovery in the EV market.

In my opinion, Toyota should not be underestimated. The company’s size, know-how, and international presence position it well to capitalize on the electric vehicle boom once demand is firmly established. These are three elements that even Tesla is still working to achieve.