The shift to electric vehicles in the automotive industry is gaining momentum worldwide, but for major car manufacturers like Toyota, this transition is not so simple. Apart from its only electric model, the bZ4X, the company largely remains committed to internal combustion engines and hybrid vehicles. The company’s president, Akio Toyoda, continues to highlight the possible harms of a fully electric future.
The Proliferation of Electric Vehicles and the Risks of Job Loss
According to Toyoda, the dominance of electric vehicles could mean job losses for millions of people, especially those in industries reliant on internal combustion engines. In Japan, a large portion of the approximately 5.5 million people working in the automotive sector could be affected by this change. When electric vehicles become the only option in the industry, many suppliers and small businesses in the supply chain could be negatively impacted.
However, Toyoda is not against a fully electric future. Instead, he advocates for a balanced approach that includes cleaner technologies like internal combustion engines and hybrid vehicles. This approach could play a significant role in combating climate change and could help minimize the negative impacts on the existing workforce.
Increasing Production of Electric Vehicles and Job Opportunities
With the increase in electric vehicle production, new job opportunities will arise. However, Toyoda is skeptical whether these new jobs can fully offset the losses in the internal combustion vehicle sector. Therefore, he emphasizes the importance of diversity and adaptation for a sustainable automotive future.
Toyota’s Stance on Combating Climate Change
While critics argue that Toyota is not aggressive enough in combating climate change, Toyoda’s concerns have sparked a significant debate in the automotive industry. Ultimately, it is understood that the transition to a fully electric future needs to be managed in a fair and balanced manner for everyone.