In early 2020, Toyota passed the milestone of more than 15 million hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) sales worldwide since the Prius was first launched in 1997. In Canada, sales of hybrids have now passed the 200,000 mark, with a range of 13 different hybrid models on offer across the Toyota and Lexus brands, accounting for almost 15% of total sales in 2019.
The range of available hybrid electric vehicles from Toyota and Lexus far eclipses the original flag-bearer that remains the symbol of the company’s early and visionary foray into mass electrification.
Toyota’s decision to develop hybrid electric vehicles started over 25 years ago when Takeshi Uchiyamada led a team to develop a car for the 21st century – one which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants. The first-generation Prius was launched in 1997 – around the time of the Kyoto Protocol signing – which gave new momentum to the environmental movement. Today, 15 million hybrid sales later, Toyota has made a significant contribution to the environment as its hybrid electric technology has reduced CO2 emissions by more than 120 million tonnes worldwide to date compared to sales of equivalent gas vehicles.
Over this period of time, Toyota has seen demand for its hybrid electric vehicles soar as the company has combined this innovative technology with emotional design enabled by the roll-out of its TNGA global platforms. Beyond the current 4th generation hybrid system, Toyota is continuing to refine its hybrid technology to achieve even lower emissions and ever-better fuel efficiency. Today, Toyota and Lexus hybrid electric vehicles are affordable, accessible and convenient for Canadian drivers.
Hybrid naturally leads to BEV and FCEV
While Toyota believes that hybrids are an essential part of the future overall mix of electrified vehicles, two decades of electrification experience also feed into the company’s multi-powertrain strategy. The company provides and will continue to provide various types of electrified vehicles to reduce emissions based on regulations, market infrastructure and, ultimately, customer demand. Toyota does not see a one ‘winner takes all’ scenario but a future where the different electrified technologies, including hybrids (HEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV), fuel cell (FCEV) and battery electric (BEV) vehicles all play a part.
“Of course, we must work hard on improving battery performance and lowering costs (of BEVs), which we are doing,” said Shigeki Terashi, Chief Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation. “But we must avoid having no plan until we overcome the hurdles related to both BEVs and FCEVs. In the meantime, we can contribute by continuing our work on HEVs.”
As a result of its significant hybrid electric vehicle experience, the company has deep transferable expertise in the core electrification technologies which are common across all form of electrified powertrains, putting them in pole position for an electrified future. Over two decades of continuous development of electric motors, batteries and power control units has taught Toyota how to manage and reuse energy efficiently, providing a range of electrified options for Toyota and Lexus customers through HEVs, PHEVs, BEVs and FCEVs.
To realize this vision, Toyota is planning to globally launch 40 new or updated electrified vehicles by 2025, across all technologies, including at least 10 zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Its hybrid electric vehicles will remain a core part of the powertrain mix, meeting customers’ needs and helping drive down emissions together with other types of electrified vehicles. That has been the company’s goal ever since it launched the first Prius over 20 years ago, with the ultimate ambition to achieve zero emissions in a widespread and sustainable way.
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Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.
