Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda says his biggest fear is an all‑electric future and admits he feels alone defending gasoline engines. Discover why.
In a candid interview with the UK‑based outlet CarWow, Akio Toyoda — chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation — opened up about a personal dilemma that mirrors the industry’s biggest debate: the shift from gasoline‑powered vehicles to fully electric models.
Why the Chairman Feels Isolated
When asked about his greatest worry for the automotive world, Toyoda answered without hesitation: “Everyone is moving toward electric cars. That’s my biggest fear.” He went on to recall how, just three or four years ago, he was the only executive publicly proclaiming his love for the smell of gasoline, the roar of an engine, and the craftsmanship of internal‑combustion powertrains. “I felt completely alone,” he said.
Toyota’s Cautious EV Rollout
Unlike rivals such as Volkswagen and Kia, which currently offer six distinct electric models, Toyota has been far more conservative. Until about a year ago, the Japanese automaker’s entire EV portfolio consisted of a single model — the bZ4X. Recent additions include the Urban Cruiser EV and the bZ4X Touring, but the lineup remains limited compared with competitors.
Lexus, Toyota’s luxury arm, announced the cancellation of its planned LF‑ZC electric sedan, a vehicle that would have taken on the BMW i3 and the Mercedes‑Benz EQ C. While Lexus does have a few pure‑electric offerings—such as the RZ, ES EV, and TZ—it still trails behind the broader market’s momentum.
Balancing Carbon Neutrality and Passion
Toyoda acknowledges the necessity of producing carbon‑neutral vehicles that also generate profit, yet he admits the prospect does not excite him. “Cars are my playground,” he explained. “I want to build the kind of car I’d keep in my own garage. If all I’m making are carbon‑neutral machines, it loses its thrill.”
Future Powertrain Experiments
Despite tightening emissions regulations that make gasoline‑powered sports cars increasingly impractical, Toyota is not abandoning them altogether. The company unveiled the concept GR GT—a V8‑powered sports car slated for a 2027 debut. In parallel, Toyota is exploring mid‑engine sports cars and even researching hydrogen‑fuel internal‑combustion engines, aiming to keep traditional drivetrains alive while using carbon‑neutral fuels.
Electric Performance Is Not Boring
CarWow highlighted that many manufacturers are proving electric cars can be exhilarating. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N features a smart simulated gear‑shift that mimics the feel of a manual transmission, while Alpine’s A290 delivers razor‑sharp agility. Genesis recently launched the GV60 Magma, boasting 650 hp. These examples show that electric power can still provide the excitement that enthusiasts crave—though, for purists like Toyoda, nothing can replace the visceral sound and feel of a combustion engine.
What’s Next for Toyota?
As the industry accelerates toward electrification, Toyota faces a dual challenge: meeting global carbon‑reduction targets while preserving the brand’s heritage of performance and driver engagement. Whether the chairman’s sense of loneliness will translate into a new strategy—or a renewed commitment to hybrid technology—remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the conversation about the future of gasoline engines is far from over.