Toyota’s stance on electric vehicles has been in sharp contrast to many other major players in the industry. While the brand finally has a modern EV in the form of the bZ4X, it is still electrifying its lineup at a slow pace. Last year, the company’s CEO warned that a sudden transition to EVs at the expense of internal combustion could damage Japan’s economy, and more recently, it said that it’s important to give customers in different regions the choice of an EV or a conventionally-powered vehicle. This school of thought isn’t unique to Toyota’s CEO. Gill Pratt, CEO of the Toyota Research Institute, also believes the future of automobiles won’t begin and end with EVs, suggesting that too many people have succumbed to the hype of electric-only propulsion.
Pratt is evidently an intelligent man, also boasting the titles of chief scientist and executive fellow for research at Toyota. He was even the robotics and computing lead for the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency at one point. Pratt believes that the climate crisis is a serious threat but that a sudden move to only EVs isn’t best for the planet, either.
“Lithium ion batteries aren’t without consequence,” said Pratt when speaking to Autocar. “They’re made using rare, mined materials - in contrast, an engine is made using more common materials - and weigh a lot. The grid energy mix is also variable around the world.” He further went on to say that “cradle to grave,” plug-in hybrids and full electrics are very close.
Currently, he picks PHEVs as the better choice, and he uses his wife’s own Tesla to prove his point. “I can talk about that from experience. My wife and I bought a Tesla Model X, because we’re good friends with a chief engineer on that car. It’s an incredible car. But my wife used it to commute 30 miles a day, which meant 90% of the battery wasn’t being used most of the time. We were just dragging all this weight, all these raw materials, around.”
"We all know that we’re in an era of limited battery supply. Well, couldn’t those battery cells have been used for a better purpose in eight PHEVs like the Toyota RAV4 Prime, where the battery capacity would have contributed to much more total emissions savings on almost every journey?
My wife and I bought a Tesla Model X, because we’re good friends with a chief engineer on that car. It’s an incredible car. But my wife used it to commute 30 miles a day, which meant 90% of the battery wasn’t being used most of the time. We were just dragging all this weight, all these raw materials, around."
He’s ignoring an important factor. If she’s commuting 30 miles a day and buys a PHEV… she’s dragging all the weight of an ICE… 100% of the time.
And dealing with the issues of having two different powertrains, fuel sources and interfacing systems all the time.
Very self-serving, IMO, given Toyota’s long standing opposition to EVs.
Rob
Former RB and BL Home Fool, Supernova Portfolio Contributor & Maintenance Fool
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
Rob, my wife’s Toyota Prius, gets 54 MPG to 60 MPG, depending on the roads traveled. Here in the jungles of the Keys, that car is always using battery power - and that’s with the A/C blowing and radio playing.
That car will get me to Richmond, VA on just one stop at a gas station during the 1100 mile trip, but I usually refill in NC in case there’s a highway blockade from a bad wreck. The tank on that car is 12 gallons. It’s aerodynamic and light.
The engine, a four cylinder, is very quiet, and even on I-95 the car charges its battery off the engine on downslopes, regenerative braking, and coasting/braking from driver assistance.
This is a 2015 model, not a plug in.
p.s. This Prius has comfortable seats. I am 6’2" and have plenty of leg space when I push the driver’s seat back. I have no problem getting in and out of the car either.
Rob, my wife’s Toyota Prius, gets 54 MPG to 60 MPG, depending on the roads traveled. Here in the jungles of the Keys, that car is always using battery power - and that’s with the A/C blowing and radio playing.
That car will get me to Richmond, VA on just one stop at a gas station during the 1100 mile trip, but I usually refill in NC in case there’s a highway blockade from a bad wreck. The tank on that car is 12 gallons. It’s aerodynamic and light. – PT
That’s not my point.
The Toyota guy was citing the virtue of having a PHEV for his wife’s 30 mile commute and I was pointing out that the redundant powertrain is just as redundant as his concern about the extra battery weight of having greater range than needed.
I recognize that PHEVs can go long distances too.
As for going 1100 miles with one stop, I’m glad you like that. We don’t ever plan to go that sort of distance without stopping, even with our gas motorhome. We prefer to take breaks… and I would presume you do likewise.
Rob
Former RB and BL Home Fool, Supernova Portfolio Contributor & Maintenance Fool
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
I just a little Class B: Winnebago Travato. 19 feet long. Somewhere around 15-16 mpg with a V6. We used to own a big one but it was a hassle in many ways. This one can park anywhere a regular car can park and it’s fully equipped. We happened to buy it just before COVID hit… the timing of which turned out marvelously well.
Rob
Former RB and BL Home Fool, Supernova Portfolio Contributor & Maintenance Fool
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
Oh man, that’s excellent gas mileage and the perfect size too. I had no idea you could get that MPG with a 19 footer Travato. Did you buy this through a dealer or direct from Winnebago?
From General RV. LOL… no, RV parks don’t rent on the basis of size but on what you require in terms of amenities (electrical load, water, waste).
We like being able to stop anywhere with no fuss.
Primary negatives:
Our generator and roof AC are noisy. Newer models are quieter.
Ground clearance is minimal… potentially an issue depending on where you take it.
Sound system and nav system are primitive/difficult. Generally hated by folks in the Travato user groups. We use our phones for nav and haven’t bothered to replace the AM/FM/CD/DVD player yet.
The cabinet knobs are a peculiar design that tend to have issues latching… has been an issue occasionally.
Primary positives:
Convenient parking/camping
Much quieter than our Class A
Decent fuel economy
I believe it would perform much better in a crash in terms of protecting occupants due to it’s all welded construction.
I had the front end wrapped in plastic film to protect against stone chips. No chips so far.
Main modifications by some folks:
New sound system/nav system
Raise vehicle slightly ~1"-2".
Some folks like to customize the storage… we’re fine with it.
Add spare tire (Yeah, no spare. When I consider how often I’ve needed a spare over the years, I’m not losing sleep over not having one.) Spare tire typically mounted to one of the rear doors.
I think we have a trip to New England planned for the Fall. That will be our only trip with it this year since we’re not going out West this year and we’re also taking a Tesla to the Gulf, Outer Banks and Michigan instead of the motorhome. Cheaper to drive a Tesla. We store the vehicle in a Public Storage facility. I think we pay something like $500-$600 for insurance annually.
Rob
Former RB and BL Home Fool, Supernova Portfolio Contributor & Maintenance Fool
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.