Toyota Invests Extra into Outdated Tech in West Virginia

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Toyota shortly went from hero to villain within the eyes of many individuals involved in regards to the local weather and wanting environment friendly vehicles. It led the market in hybrid automobiles for years, primarily by its fashionable Prius mannequin line. Nonetheless, when the total battery-electric period arrived, it was gradual to get onboard. Actually, when the BEV (full battery-electric automobile) market actually picked up steam electrons, Toyota truly engaged in deceitful and dangerous counter-narratives and advertising and marketing.

There’s no denying or avoiding the BEV revolution now. It’s taking place, and each automaker is promoting BEVs — some greater than others, and in some markets greater than others. Even Honda, which was an analogous laggard to Toyota, now has a preferred electrical automobile within the US market (sure, it’s primarily constructed by GM, however it’s a Honda). Toyota’s one BEV mannequin, nevertheless, is likely one of the ugliest automobiles I’ve ever seen. (Apologies in case you prefer it.) The design — and the title for that matter — make me suppose Toyota doesn’t need it to promote effectively. That certain would make it simpler to maintain saying their clients don’t need BEVs.

However why is Toyota such a laggard in BEVs when it was such a pacesetter in hybrids. The factor is, that is typically the way it goes with a sequence of know-how transitions. The chief in a single transition is commonly a laggard within the subsequent transition, because it tries to carry onto its management place and has maybe a bit an excessive amount of delight in and attachment to the outdated know-how. That appears to be the difficulty with Toyota relating to hybrids and BEVs.

And maybe it makes some sense. My finest buddy from school was excited to share with me final 12 months when he received a hybrid automotive. After all, I used to be a bit dumbfounded and fairly dissatisfied. That may have been a powerful transfer in 2002, however in 2025??? And realizing what I do for a dwelling? However he was earnestly enthusiastic about it. This week, I used to be assembly with a neighbor about placing an EV charging station in my storage. He had put in the mandatory 240V outlet in his storage for his daughter and son-in-law once they go to, as they drive a Ford Mustang Mach-E and I feel Hyundai IONIQ 5. He and his spouse simply received a hybrid and went by an analogous sort of dialogue along with his son-in-law about it. There are hundreds of thousands of people who find themselves going to purchase hybrids within the coming years, and so they might even suppose that’s a step into the long run.

After all, CleanTechnica readers know hybrids have been outdated tech for a number of generations now. It sounds loopy to many people to be investing in and enthusiastic about outdated tech. However I assume we’re typically in a little bit bubble right here.

Attending to the information that triggered all of this, Toyota North America yesterday introduced an $88 million funding into its West Virginia manufacturing unit “to assemble the following era of hybrid transaxles.” It is a large Toyota manufacturing unit, which has obtained $2.8 billion of funding over time.

“The hybrid transaxle is a vital element in electrified automobiles that transfers energy seamlessly between the engine, electrical motor and wheels. Manufacturing is ready to start in late 2026, with plans to include the drivetrain element into future Toyota and Lexus fashions.”

Oy vey.

Properly, that is the place we’re. There’s loads of work nonetheless to do to assist the world transition to full, zero-emissions electrical vehicles, vans, and SUVs.