Japan updated a major policy document to emphasise its support for hybrids was equal to battery-electric vehicles after a lawmaker cited the chairman of Toyota stating automakers couldn’t endorse a government that rejected the Prius-popularized technology.
The phrasing revisions appear to put fossil-fuel burning hybrids on the same standing as zero-emission rechargeable vehicles, despite environmentalists’ objections.
Environmentalists and green investors have criticised Japan’s car industry, particularly Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM), for being hesitant to adopt battery-electric vehicles and lobbying against their transition.
At a June 3 meeting, according to notes and audio obtained by Reuters, former industry minister and LDP veteran Akira Amari suggested the revision to the government’s annual economic strategy blueprint at a June 3 meeting.
Toyoda is JAMA’s chairman and Toyota’s president.
Amari addressed LDP lawmakers at a policy conference, “Chairman Toyoda said JAMA can’t endorse a government that opposes hybrids.”
Using synthetic fuel, such as hydrogen, would make hybrids “100% clean energy” cars, Amari claimed.
According to notes and recordings, Amari remarked, “JAMA will push back with all its strength.”
“If we don’t include hybrids in the category of electric vehicles, it won’t look good,” he remarked.
Amari told Reuters he wanted “so-called” to clarify that electric vehicles include hybrids. He requested no adjustments.
He confirmed speaking with Toyoda.
“Mr. Toyoda says hybrids using synthetic fuel are excellent for the environment because they’re fuel efficient. He’d be disappointed if hybrids were rejected. His words. I told him the LDP wasn’t rejecting hybrids. “
Amari told Reuters that by using synthetic fuels, automakers could make zero-emission engines. Such fuels might power aeroplanes that can’t run on batteries, he said.
JAMA stated the auto sector is working to become carbon neutral by 2050. Since carbon neutrality was the goal, it was vital to broaden possibilities, it stated.
It stated that each country and region must respond to different situations and customer needs.
Toyota directed Reuters to JAMA.
Footnote
The final version of the paper, available online, refers to Japan’s 2035 goal of selling only “electric-powered automobiles,” which includes hybrids.
A May 31 draught only mentions hybrids in a footnote. All new car sales in 2035 should be “electric-powered vehicles,” according to the primary text.
The government’s yearly policy document serves as a blueprint for future policies.
Toyota, the world’s largest manufacturer by sales, blames fossil fuels, not ICEs. Toyota also promotes hydrogen technology, which hasn’t caught on as much as battery-electric automobiles.
InfluenceMap put Toyota at the bottom of the list of big automakers based on its public comments and interactions with the government about climate policy.
Pension funds have criticised its lobbying. AkademikerPension sold most of its Toyota shareholding last year.
Toyota has pledged $60 billion to electrify its automobiles by 2030, with half going to battery electric vehicles. Annual sales of such automobiles are expected to reach 3.5 million by the end of the decade, or a third of current sales.
It argues hybrids make sense in markets where infrastructure isn’t ready for a rapid switch to battery vehicles and that customers should have more cleaner technology options.
