Toyota estimates it will sell around five million hybrids this year, which would be the first time the milestone has been reached since the company launched the original Prius nearly three decades ago. The company has been adamant that hybrids are a better fit globally than electric vehicles, citing underdeveloped charging infrastructure and higher asking prices as the main reasons.
Although range anxiety is becoming less of an issue as technology progresses, many people still prefer combustion-engine vehicles. With that in mind, Toyota is moving forward with its hybrid plans. The company is planning to transition its battery production lines in Japan to a next-generation package during the 2027-2028 period.
View Price on AmazonInitially, the annual production capacity will supply enough batteries to power around 600,000 hybrids. Toyota expects the hybrid take rate to increase in the following years, which is why it's considering expanding battery production for hybrids. These batteries won't be used only for Toyota-badged vehicles but also for the company's upscale spinoff, Lexus.
The production ramp-up is expected to continue until at least the end of 2030. Toyota isn't going into details about what lies ahead for its next-generation batteries developed specifically for hybrids. All we know is that the engineers are "improving performance of HEV batteries through advancements," so expect greater efficiency and lower fuel consumption.
Toyota's thinking is that EVs currently don't represent a one-size-fits-all solution. However, the company is putting more effort than ever into expanding its EV lineup for those comfortable with making the switch. The long-promised solid-state batteries might finally become a reality in the coming years, possibly debuting in the electric Lexus LFA before eventually revolutionizing the automotive industry.
Source: motor1.com
