Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda just stirred up controversy in the EV world by claiming that electric vehicles could be more harmful to the environment than hybrids—especially in regions where electricity still comes from fossil fuels. He argues that producing and charging a single EV might emit more CO₂ than operating three hybrids, undermining the idea that EVs are universally the greenest option. According to Toyota’s internal data, their 27 million hybrid sales have cut emissions equivalent to 9 million BEVs. But if those BEVs were built and powered in countries like Japan—where thermal power dominates—the environmental cost would actually rise. Toyoda’s stance challenges the global EV narrative and emphasizes the importance of grid decarbonization before going all-in on battery-powered cars. #Toyota #ElectricVehicles #Hybrids #GreenEnergy #CarbonEmissions

Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has reignited the global debate on electric vehicles, claiming that EVs may actually increase emissions—especially in countries that rely on fossil fuels for electricity. According to Toyoda, producing and charging EVs on coal-heavy grids could make them "dirtier than hybrids", citing data that one electric car generates the same carbon footprint as three hybrid vehicles. Despite the controversy, Toyota isn’t exiting the EV race. The company is expanding its bZ electric lineup, enhancing Lexus EVs, and exploring hydrogen combustion tech with BMW. Yet, Toyoda insists hybrids and synthetic fuels offer a faster and more realistic path to decarbonization without risking economic fallout. With Toyota still leading the auto industry in global sales, the question looms: Are EVs the future—or just one part of it? #Toyota #HybridVsEV #EVDebate #AkioToyoda #GreenTech