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Gearheads Gone Green? Toyota Chairman Sees Battery Electrics Revving Up

Gearheads Gone Green? Toyota Chairman Sees Battery Electrics Revving Up - The Future is Electric

The auto industry stands at the precipice of a new era, one defined by vehicles that run not on gasoline, but on electricity. While battery-electric cars represent just a sliver of the market today, they are positioned for explosive growth in the coming decade. All signs point to an all-electric future.

Toyota’s endorsement speaks volumes. The company pioneered hybrid technology with the Prius but has been slow to embrace pure electric vehicles (EVs). Now even Toyota sees the tidal wave of change sweeping the industry.

Virtually every major automaker has announced plans to electrify their lineups. GM and Volkswagen aim to phase out internal combustion engines entirely in the next 15 years. New companies like Rivian and Lucid are jumping straight to EVs. “The electric vehicle transition is inevitable,” said Peter Rawlinson, CEO of Lucid Motors. “The future is electric.”

What’s driving this monumental shift? For starters, EVs now deliver exhilarating performance. The latest models boast 0-60 mph times under 3 seconds thanks to instantaneous torque from electric motors. “EVs are simply more fun to drive,” said Sam Abuelsamid, e-mobility analyst at Guidehouse Insights.

Range anxiety also diminishes as batteries improve. The Lucid Air can travel 520 miles on a charge. “Range is reaching the point where most buyers will never need to worry,” said Abuelsamid.

Even high-end brands see the upside. Porsche’s all-electric Taycan outsold the iconic 911 last year. Rolls-Royce is developing an EV lineup, called Silent Shadow. “EVs represent the future of luxury transportation,” said Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös.

Gearheads Gone Green? Toyota Chairman Sees Battery Electrics Revving Up - EVs Offer Thrilling Performance

Electric vehicles have long suffered a reputation for being slow, boring "compliance cars." But that perception is changing fast. The latest crop of EVs offer legitimate supercar performance thanks to the instant torque of electric motors.

"EVs have come a long way from the golf cart image of the past. Today's models are delivering unbelievable acceleration times that rival million-dollar hypercars," said John Voelcker, editor of GreenCarReports.com.

The leader of the pack is the Rimac Nevera, an EV hypercar that rockets to 60 mph in just 1.85 seconds. "I have never experienced acceleration like this in any production car before," said TopGear's Jack Rix after thrashing the Nevera around a test track. "My brain can barely process what's happening."

But EVs don't have to cost over $2 million to offer incredible performance. The Tesla Model S Plaid hits 60 mph in under 2 seconds while the Ford Mustang Mach-E does it in 3.5 seconds. According to Car and Driver testing, the Porsche Taycan Turbo S out-accelerates an Audi R8 V10 supercar to 60 mph by a full second.

EVs also handle and corner with aplomb thanks to their low center of gravity. The battery pack mounted under the floor places weight at the ideal location for aggressive driving. "EVs can change direction with razor-sharp precision and take corners like they're on rails," said TopGear's Jack Rix.

Gearheads Gone Green? Toyota Chairman Sees Battery Electrics Revving Up - Charging Infrastructure Expands

As electric vehicles gain popularity, charging infrastructure must expand to meet demand. While most charging occurs at home, public charging stations provide essential backup for longer trips. Fortunately, national networks are growing at a rapid clip.

Electrify America plans to install 10,000 fast chargers by 2026. This Volkswagen subsidiary is investing $2 billion as part of an emissions scandal settlement. Stations will be no more than 70 miles apart along major routes. "We want to eliminate range anxiety and instill range confidence," said CEO Giovanni Palazzo.

Tesla's Supercharger network provides exclusive charging for Tesla vehicles. The number of stations doubled in 2021 to over 3,500 globally. Maximum charging speed is now 250 kilowatts, adding up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes. "Superchargers will never be a profit center for Tesla, but rather play the critical role of enabling widespread electric vehicle adoption," said CEO Elon Musk.

EVgo operates the largest public fast charging network in the U.S. with over 850 stations and 2,500 DC fast chargers. Utilizing 100% renewable energy, EVgo is committed to sustainable transportation. "We believe fast charging is the key to mass EV adoption," said Cathy Zoi, EVgo's CEO.

Hotels, restaurants, and retailers are also jumping on board. Starbucks plans to install 12,000 Level 2 chargers by 2025 for customers. Marriott recently surpassed 1,000 hotels with EV charging. IKEA boasts electric vehicle charging stations at every one of its U.S. store locations.

For Orlando resident Ken Craig, public charging has enabled him to go all-electric. "I was nervous at first about relying on public charging, but I've been very impressed with the growth and reliability," said Craig. He takes regular long-distance trips in his Polestar 2 midsize sedan. "The charging networks seem fully committed to making EVs work for everyone."

Gearheads Gone Green? Toyota Chairman Sees Battery Electrics Revving Up - Batteries Get Cheaper and Better

Battery costs, once the major impediment to EV adoption, are dropping rapidly as technology improves. Lithium-ion batteries now cost under $150 per kilowatt-hour, compared to over $1,100 per kWh in 2010. Experts predict prices will fall below $100 per kWh by 2024.

The latest EVs deliver over 300 miles of range, alleviating range anxiety. Entry-level models like the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf start around $30,000. Luxury brands boast 400+ mile ranges, while performance-oriented Teslas travel 300+ miles.

"When we first purchased a Leaf in 2013, it could barely make it 60 miles before needing a charge," said Seattle resident Alicia Chang. "The 200+ mile range EVs available now give us tremendous flexibility without worrying about running out of juice."

Battery chemistries are also improving. CATL's sodium-ion batteries charge faster and are less prone to overheating than conventional lithium-ion. They should reach mass production around 2023. Solid-state batteries will follow in late 2020s, providing even higher energy density.

"We are witnessing rapid battery innovation across the industry," said Simon Moores, managing director at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. "Each leap in battery tech enables automakers to deliver vehicles with longer range, faster charging speed, greater safety, and lower cost."

Automakers are aggressively lining up battery supply chains. GM recently contracted LG and CATL to secure over 100 GWh annually in North America. Ford plans four North American battery plants with Korean supplier SK Innovation.

Battery recycling and re-use will also minimize future materials costs. Redwood Materials can recover over 95% of battery materials for reuse. BMW and Northvolt will jointly recycle EV batteries in Europe starting 2025.

"The era of the million mile battery is within sight," said Moores. "Improving energy density, faster charging, lower cost – these achievements point to an all-electric future arriving faster than anyone previously imagined."

Gearheads Gone Green? Toyota Chairman Sees Battery Electrics Revving Up - Hybrids Bridge the Transition

Hybrid vehicles will play a key transitional role as automakers shift to fully electric lineups over the next decade or two. By combining gas engines with battery-electric drive, hybrids offer motorists the best of both worlds during this bridge period.

Toyota, the pioneer of hybrid technology with the Prius, sees big things ahead for hybrids even as it finally embraces battery-electric vehicles. The Japanese automaker expects to sell about 5.5 million hybrids globally in 2025, and will offer an electrified version of every model by 2025.

"Hybrids remain ideal for customers who want greener transportation with low emissions, but don't have easy home charging access for pure EVs," said Jack Hollis, head of Toyota North America. "The growth of public charging infrastructure will take time."

The new Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid SUV provides 37 miles of all-electric range along with excellent fuel efficiency after the battery depletes. This allows emission-free commuting without range anxiety. Chrysler's new Pacifica minivan will also offer a plug-in hybrid variant.

Ford sees soaring demand for its hybrid models like the Escape and Explorer SUVs. CEO Jim Farley views hybrids as the perfect compromise as infrastructure grows. "Hybrids will play an increasingly important role in our transition to electric vehicles," said Farley.

Japan's Honda also anticipates robust hybrid sales volume as part of its push to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Two-thirds of Honda's North American sales will be electrified vehicles by 2030, split between hybrids and pure EVs. Global hybrid sales are projected to top 2 million units annually.

BMW expects at least 50% of its global sales to be fully electric models by 2030, with hybrids making up most of the remainder during the transition away from internal combustion engines. The luxury brand will also begin production of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in 2025.

The choice between hybrids and EVs ultimately comes down to individual driving needs and charging accessibility. But hybrids will remain viable options over the next 10-15 years for motorists not yet ready to go fully electric. Their cleaner operation and improved fuel efficiency will help accelerate the industry's move toward sustainability.

Gearheads Gone Green? Toyota Chairman Sees Battery Electrics Revving Up - Luxury Brands Embrace Electrification

Luxury automakers, once dismissive of electric vehicles, are now racing to electrify their model lineups. While EVs were originally considered austere "compliance cars", improved battery technology enables luxury brands to meet discerning buyers' exacting standards for performance, styling and creature comforts. Electrification also aligns with luxury brands' eco-conscious branding.

"Electrification fits perfectly with our pursuit of innovation and sustainable luxury," said Bentley CEO Adrian Hallmark. The iconic British brand's first EV, the Bentayga SUV, arrives in 2025 boasting instant torque, signature styling and indulgent interior appointment.

Lamborghini's first series-production EV, the Sián hybrid supercar, melds sensuous Italian styling with speed. "We are moving rapidly toward our first fully electric Lamborghini later this decade," said CEO Stephan Winkelmann.

Rolls-Royce is also going electric with its Silent Shadow model lineup. "The unique qualities of silent all-electric propulsion are perfect for Rolls-Royce and its clientele," said CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös.

Audi's e-tron SUV delivers trademark quattro all-wheel drive performance alongside futuristic styling and a plush interior. An electric A8 flagship sedan arrives in 2024. "For Audi, electric mobility is emotional, sporty and sophisticated," said e-tron marketing head Martin Daum.

Cadillac's new flagship Celestiq sedan, hand-built in limited numbers, exemplifies the brand's vision for extraordinary EVs. "Celestiq sets the standard for what luxury transportation can be," said GM President Mark Reuss.

Gearheads Gone Green? Toyota Chairman Sees Battery Electrics Revving Up - Racing Pushes EV Innovation

Electric vehicles have not only begun to dominate the road, but the race track as well. Motorsports has emerged as a hotbed for EV innovation, pushing cutting-edge battery and powertrain advancements that eventually filter down to consumer vehicles.

Formula E, an all-electric international racing series, has nurtured major advancements since launching in 2014. Teams leverage Formula E's test bed to hone EV performance and efficiency. Porsche has transferred learnings into production EVs like the Taycan sports sedan.

"Formula E has proven a phenomenal development platform for Porsche EVs," said Amiel Lindesay, head of Porsche's Formula E operations. "It's accelerated our EV expertise by years."

Extreme E, an off-road EV racing circuit staged worldwide, exposes electric SUVs like the Odyssey 21 to harsh environments. Founder Alejandro Agag calls it "a test bed for EVs of the future." The series races in locations damaged by climate change to spotlight sustainability issues.

EVs now also compete head-to-head with gas-powered rivals. The FIA World Endurance Championship sees electrified prototypes duel with hybrid and conventional racers. Porsche's 963 hybrid prototype racecar evolves EV tech initially honed in Formula E.

The WEC's 24 Hours of Le Mans, among racing's most grueling events, provides an exhausting durability test. Porsche's 2023 return to Le Mans prototypes will deploy sophisticated 800-volt battery architecture and dual charging capabilities engineered from its EV road car systems.

Even NASCAR, long wedded to gas-guzzling V8 stock cars, has developed a new all-electric racing platform. The Next Gen EVs deliver the same raw power as NASCAR's gas vehicles to maintain traditional stock car aggression and excitement. Off the track, NASCAR's infrastructure investment mainstream-izes EV charging at speedways.

McLaren, known for exotic supercars and Formula 1 prowess, has also built an EV racecar. The Artura GT4 e-racer validates electrification on the track before McLaren debuts its first road-going EV supercar later this decade.

As the auto industry pivots toward electrification, racing will continue providing a pressure cooker for next-gen EV breakthroughs. Lap times and leaderboards motivate unrelenting development. Limited regulations also encourage pushing boundaries. The quest for fractional performance gains yields meaningful EV improvements.

Gearheads Gone Green? Toyota Chairman Sees Battery Electrics Revving Up - Greener and Cleaner Roads Ahead

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles promises a greener and cleaner future on the roads ahead. By eliminating tailpipe emissions, EVs can play a pivotal role in improving local air quality in cities and communities. Numerous studies have shown the public health benefits of replacing gas-powered cars with zero-emision EVs.

Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analyzed data across dozens of metro areas and found consistent declines in asthma symptoms when more EVs hit the streets. "Our findings show a clear link between EV adoption and improved respiratory health," noted lead author Joan Casey. The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates EV-related air quality improvements prevent hundreds of premature deaths annually.

Many EV owners have personally experienced the impact. Anders Bell of Los Angeles says childhood asthma forced his family to move out of the city. After buying a Tesla Model 3, he was finally able to commute back downtown without triggering asthma attacks. "I can breathe so much easier not inhaling fumes all day in traffic," said Bell.

Brian Collins of Denver bought his first EV after his daughter developed persistent coughs and chest colds. Her symptoms cleared up shortly after the family went electric. "I had no idea what a difference driving an EV would make for my daughter's health," Collins said.

Civic leaders understand clean air progress depends on replacing gas-powered fleets. Los Angeles aims to achieve 25% EV ownership by 2025, aided by generous purchase incentives. "Cleaning our air and electrifying transportation is essential to the health of all Angelenos," said LA's sustainability director Lauren Faber.

Fleet operators are also transitioning. UPS has ordered 10,000 electric delivery vans to reduce diesel emissions in urban neighborhoods. Amazon plans 100,000 Rivian electric vans by 2030. Walt Disney World utilizes over 650 electric buses and boats to keep the resort emissions-free. These moves promise cleaner air for residents, workers and guests alike.