The auto industry’s shift to battery-electric vehicles involves more than just making cars. For many of the world’s automakers, the transition to EVs is part of a larger strategy to reduce all carbon emissions, including those generated during manufacturing. Toyota says it is on track to reach carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and has a multi-pronged approach to achieving it.
According to the automaker, it is on track to achieve 100 percent CO2 reduction in all new vehicles in Europe and the UK by 2035. In the next 10 to 15 years, Toyota will use a combination of battery electric, plug-in hybrid. Electric and hybrid electric vehicles to reduce emissions.
18 Pictures
Toyota acknowledged that there will be challenges in achieving this goal because aspects of the business are outside of its control, such as logistics and parts supply. The automaker said it will work closely with its suppliers and partners in the effort.
The carmaker plans to make all of its European manufacturing facilities carbon neutral by the end of the decade. Toyota already recycles 90 percent of waste at its Deeside facility in the UK to generate green energy. The facility could be carbon neutral by 2025. The automaker also installed a large number of solar panels – the equivalent of 10 football fields.
Toyota also took a small look at its future. The C-HR Prologue concept debuted, showing off the edgier styling of the next-generation model. The production version will likely look a bit understated, but the overall aggressive look should remain for the plug-in hybrid. Toyota will produce batteries for the crossover in Europe. Lexus said the LFA’s spiritual successor will be electric and will have manual gearbox and fly-by-wire capability.
Japanese automakers are also continuing to invest in hydrogen. The company today revealed the Corolla Cross H2 Concept, which features an internal combustion engine that burns hydrogen instead of gasoline or diesel. There is also a Hilux pickup in development. Toyota’s effort to reach carbon neutrality will take many forms over the next few decades.