Toyota: We’re not behind on EVs

Toyota Australia sales and marketing boss Sean Hanley has attacked critics who accuse the Japanese auto giant of moving too slowly in its transition to EVs and called on government for restraint when drafting future emissions legislation.

“My response to Toyota being perceived to be lagging [in regard to EVs] is one of frustration,” said Hanley at the global launch of the upcoming Toyota GR Corolla.

“We've sold over 230,000 hybrid vehicles in the Australian market since October 2001.

“It's carbon that is the enemy, not a particular powertrain. I think people don't realise how much carbon we've reduced in 22 years in the Australian domestic market,” said Hanley.

While Toyota Australia sells more hybrid vehicles than any other brand, it’s yet to release a pure-electric model here. That will happen next year with the battery-powered Toyota bZ4X electric SUV next year.

However, Toyota luxury brand Lexus has one battery-electric (UX 300e) and one plug-in hybrid (RX 450h+) on sale here, and Hanley pointed out that a mix of EVs, PHEVs and traditional hybrids was the fastest path to carbon neutrality.

“To get carbon neutrality you've got to offer a diverse range of technologies relevant to the market. Without them, I don't think you can get there that quick,” he said.

Hanley also urged restraint from federal lawmakers now considering tighter emissions regulations as part of a national EV plan that could include a ban on new combustion vehicles from 2035, which has already been announced in Europe, California and the Australian Capital Territory.

“The Australian market is very different from others,” he said. “We all want carbon neutrality, we all want to get down to zero emissions, but you've got to do it in a practical and well-thought-out way.”

Hanley said he hopes the Australian auto industry can unite to voice a deliverable plan to slash emissions without harming Australian consumers, who buy more diesel vehicles from Toyota than any other brand.

“While I believe regulation won't hurt, it can't be a regulation that's not practical for the Australians consumer,” he said.

“This is where the argument is getting lost. People who think you can turn everything into BEV by 2025 and life's gonna be good.

“How are you going to tell all these farmers that they're going to have battery cars that aren't practical, don't work for them and cost a fortune?”

Toyota Australia’s sales boss said he hopes future regulations will help incentivise plug-in hybrids, the benefits of which are yet to be adequately promoted by other brands.

“I think there will be regulation. When that happens, I think you'll find that consumer awareness and education will be significantly heightened and the benefits of plug-in hybrids will become more real,” said Hanley, who declined to confirm what Toyota Australia’s first PHEV will be or when it will arrive.