Japan's Toyota announces 'an engine born' with biofuel despite global push for battery electric cars
Is Toyota's Biofuel Engine Defying the EV Trend?
Toyota announced plans to innovate traditional internal combustion engines by integrating them with green fuels like hydrogen and bioethanol, and pairing them with electric motors in hybrids. This strategy diverges from many competitors focusing solely on battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Toyota's approach includes collaboration with Subaru and Mazda to meet future emissions standards while considering global energy supply variations and the economic impact on jobs.
What is the expected role of the traditional internal combustion engine in Subaru's future electric vehicles?
Subaru's Future Electric Vehicles and the Role of Traditional Internal Combustion Engines
In the context of the automotive industry's gradual shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), it is essential to understand the role traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs) will play in the upcoming years. Subaru, a Japanese automobile manufacturer, has been working on developing ecological engines to meet the stringent emissions standards that are expected in the near future.
Subaru showcased its trademark smaller horizontally opposed engine during a presentation alongside Toyota and Mazda4. Chief Technology Officer Tetsuro Fujinuki confirmed that the company was working on a "Subaru-like" electric vehicle. However, he emphasized that Subaru was not about to abandon ICEs altogether.
The expected role of traditional ICEs in Subaru's future electric vehicles seems to be complementary. As the industry moves towards more sustainable transportation solutions, ICEs will likely coexist with electric powertrains in the form of hybrid vehicles. In this sense, ICEs will serve as a supporting element, providing additional power when needed and extending the driving range of electric vehicles.
This approach is in line with Toyota's strategy, as the company plans to offer lean compact engines that run on green fuels like hydrogen and bioethanol, pairing them with zero-emission electric motors in hybrids. In future hybrids, the electric motor is set to become the primary driving power, while the ICE will be designed to take a lesser role and assist the electric motor when necessary3.
As Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda continue to collaborate on various projects, it can be expected that Subaru's future electric vehicles will also feature a similar combination of ICEs and electric motors. This approach allows the automakers to meet strict emissions standards while still offering a diverse range of powertrains to cater to various customer needs and preferences.
In summary, the traditional internal combustion engine is expected to play a complementary role in Subaru's future electric vehicles, working in tandem with electric motors to provide efficient and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
Which other Japanese car manufacturers joined Toyota in the "multi-pathway workshop" and what are their contributions?
Collaboration in "Multi-Pathway Workshop"
During Toyota's presentation of its new engine technology, the company was joined by two other prominent Japanese car manufacturers, Subaru Corp2. and Mazda Motor Corp. Both companies are also focusing on developing ecological engines to meet future stringent emissions standards, which highlights a collective move towards more sustainable automotive technologies2.
Contributions of Subaru and Mazda
Subaru showcased its smaller horizontally opposed engine, indicating its ongoing commitment to unique engine configurations while also working on developing a "Subaru-like" electric vehicle2. Mazda, on the other hand, discussed the adaptation of its iconic rotary engine for use in electric vehicles. This adaptation represents a significant shift, leveraging a technology that Mazda has been known for over fifty years, now reconfigured for the modern push towards electrification2.
Together, these collaborations in the workshop underscore a shared industry focus on innovation in engine technology and electrification, despite the global trend pushing towards fully electric vehicles2.