Toyota Misses EV Goals

author: FutureCar Staff    

Good morning! It's Friday, September 22, 2023, and this is The Morning Shift, your daily roundup of the top automotive headlines from around the world, in one place. Here are the important stories you need to know.

1st Gear: Toyota Must Increase EV Output 2,400 Percent

Relatively speaking, Toyota has been relatively slow to embrace electric vehicles (EVs). While it pioneered low-impact driving with the Prius and released its first battery-powered model last year, the bZ4X hasn't gained much traction. However, the Japanese automaker is now reevaluating its EV targets, aiming to produce over 600,000 EVs by 2025.

According to a report from Automotive News, Toyota plans to achieve 600,000 EV sales by 2025, 1.5 million by 2026, and 3.5 million by 2030. If successful, Toyota would surpass Tesla's EV sales in three years, with electric models accounting for a third of its 9 million annual sales by the end of the decade. However, the company has a long way to go. In 2022, Toyota sold fewer than 25,000 EVs worldwide, including its Lexus brand. This year, it aims to produce around 150,000 EVs, gradually increasing to 190,000 next year.

Toyota intends to step up production of its battery-powered vehicles in the coming years and has teased several EV concept cars that may hit the market, including a modern-day FJ Cruiser. By diversifying its EV offerings, Toyota hopes to dispel the perception that it isn't fully committed to electric cars.

2nd Gear: Big Three Enter Another Round Of Final Talks

The first week of strike action by America's United Auto Workers union at Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis plants is coming to an end. Now, the big three automakers are making another final attempt to reach a deal with the union.

According to Forbes, representatives from both sides met yesterday to find common ground. The talks aim to prevent an escalation of the strike, which union president Shawn Fain warned could happen if an agreement isn't reached today. If the strike expands, it could include plants that produce popular models like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ram pickup trucks.

However, leaked messages from union insiders have complicated matters. UAW communications director Jonah Furman expressed hope that the ongoing strike action would damage the companies' reputations and keep them weakened for months. The automakers interpreted these messages as a lack of good faith bargaining and an intention to cause long-term disruption.

3rd Gear: E-Fuels Must Be Carbon Neutral In Europe

In the quest for more sustainable transportation, various technologies are vying for supremacy. While battery power currently holds the upper hand, some companies believe hydrogen will eventually come into its own. Additionally, firms like Porsche are exploring sustainable e-fuels to extend the lifespan of gas-powered cars. Now, the European Union is examining the use of e-fuels and their role across the bloc.

Reuters reports that the European Union has stipulated that e-fuel cars must be 100% carbon neutral to continue being sold after the upcoming ban on gas-powered models, starting in 2035. A draft document states that e-fuel cars must run on fully CO2 neutral fuels. To achieve carbon neutrality, e-fuels must be produced in a way that utilizes captured atmospheric carbon to offset the CO2 emissions released when the fuel is burned in a car engine.

4th Gear: U.S. Probes 240,000 Ford EcoSport Models

After a year filled with recalls, Ford is now facing multiple probes in 2023. Following the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) investigation into a recall affecting over 1.2 million Focus models, the agency is now looking into a potential issue with 240,000 EcoSport models.

Reuters reports that the NHTSA is investigating an oil pump problem that could impact EcoSport models built between 2018 and 2021. The probe was initiated after receiving complaints alleging oil pump failure, resulting in a loss of power while the vehicle is in motion.

This investigation adds to the NHTSA's ongoing probe into 1.2 million Focus models and an investigation into the Explorer SUV, affecting over 700,000 units.

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FutureCar Staff