Toyota among the ‘2022 world’s most obstructive companies on climate policy’ with oil giants
Toyota can’t seem to get out of its own way lately. The Japanese automaker ranked among the “world’s most obstructive companies on climate policy” of 2022, with oil giants like Exxon Mobile, Chevron, and leading Russian oil companies.
“Change is the law of life. And for those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” former US President John F. Kennedy once said.
The automobile industry and world are moving forward with or without Toyota. The world’s largest automaker denies the growing demand for zero-emission electric vehicles.
Toyota, a first mover in hybrid vehicles, is one of the few automakers still claiming the market for electric cars is not there. Jack Hollis, Executive Vice President of Sales at Toyota Motor North America, was recently quoted saying:
I don’t think the market is ready. I don’t think the infrastructure is ready. And even if you were ready to purchase one, and if you could afford it … (the price is) still too high … It took 25 years to get to less than 10% (market share) for hybrid … The consumer isn’t demanding (EVs) at that level. The consumer is not screaming, ‘30% or 40% by tomorrow.
Despite these comments, electric vehicles are rapidly gaining market share in all major auto markets. Buyers are more inclined than ever to purchase an EV, with over 50% of buyers looking for zero-emission options.
Most automakers are overwhelmed with demand for electric vehicles. Ford, BMW, GM, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and essentially any other vehicle maker you can think of are selling record amounts of EVs every quarter.
Regarding price, there are several options on the market, starting under $30,000 (Chevy Bolt EV/EUV, Nissan Leaf), with more coming to the market in 2023.
Toyota’s lack of climate efforts
In a recent study from Greenpeace, the non-profit organization found Toyota ranked last out of the top ten automakers in terms of decarbonization efforts. The study found Toyota:
- Generated less than 1% of total sales from zero-emission vehicles (not hybrids).
- Had the least developed supply chain for reducing carbon emissions.
Toyota has offered hybrids for over two decades, which has provided a means of transitioning to zero-emission, fully electric.
Despite this, Toyota is sticking to its hybrid strategy, offering hybrid, fuel-cell, and gas-powered vehicles, claiming:
Playing to win means playing with all the cards in the deck – not just a select few. So that’s our strategy and we’re sticking to it.
More recently, the world’s largest automaker has seemingly lightened up to the idea as EV sales continue climbing, as reports suggest an EV strategy overhaul may be in the works.
Toyota, big oil rank worst on climate policy
On a list dominated by the world’s largest oil and gas companies, Toyota ranked tenth on the “most negative and influential companies on climate policy” of 2022.
Ed Collins, InfluenceMap Director, states:
Many of the companies on the list have top-line commitments to addressing climate change, but continue to push back on specific policies designed to achieve that.
Toyota remains the most negative company regarding climate change in the transportation sector. Meanwhile, the study does note the Japanese automaker has “improved its climate policy engagement” but is still leading “global automotive lobbying efforts to oppose policies to phase out internal combustion engine-powered vehicles.”
BMW also made the list, placing 16, after leading advocacy efforts against the EU’s decision to ban combustion vehicle sales after 2035.
Electrek’s Take
Toyota set itself up for this. I don’t have a personal vendetta against Toyota, but the company continues to stand in the way of fully electric, zero-emission transportation.
Looking at past comments from Toyota’s executives, it’s as if they have something against pure EVs. Perhaps this could be due to the fact they grew to become the world’s largest automaker with their hybrid technology, and they don’t believe they should give it up.
Like John F. Kennedy said, “Change is the law of life,” and the transportation sector is transitioning under Toyota’s feet.
The world’s largest automaker has stepped up its EV investment efforts recently, but the company needs to show more, or it may certainly end up being the one to “miss the future.”
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![This electric excavator has battery swap tech that lets it recharge in minutes [update]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/electric-excavator.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
The electric construction equipment experts at XCMG just released a new, 25 ton electric crawler excavator ahead of bauma 2025 – and they have their eye on the global urban construction, mine operations, and logistical material handling markets.
UPDATE: telematics announcement.
Powered by a high-capacity 400 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery capable of delivering up to 8 hours of continuous operation, the XE215EV electric excavator promises uninterrupted operation at a lower cost of ownership and with even less downtime than its diesel counterparts.
XCMG is delivering on part of that reduced downtime promise with the lower maintenance and easier repair needs of electric equipment, and delivering on the rest of it with lickety-quick DC fast charging that can recharge the machine’s massive battery in 1.5-2 hours … but that’s not the slick bit. The XCMG XE125EV can be powered up without leaving the job site thanks to its BYD battery swap technology.
We first covered XCMG and its battery swap technology back in January, and covered similar battery-swap tech being developed by MOOG Construction offshoot ZQUIP, as well – but while XCMG’s battery tech has been in production for several years, it’s still not widely known about in the West (even within the industry).
XCMG showed off its latest electric equipment at the December 2024 bauma China, including an updated version of its of its 85-ton autonomous electric mining truck that features a fully cab-less design – meaning there isn’t even a place for an operator to sit, let alone operate. And that’s too bad, because what operator wouldn’t want to experience an electric truck putting down 1070 hp more than 16,000 lb-ft of torque!?
Easy in, easy out
The best part? All of the company’s heavy equipment assets – from excavators to terminal tractors to dump trucks and wheel loaders – all use the same 400 kWh BYD battery packs, Milwaukee tool style. That means an equipment fleet can utilize x number of vehicles with a fraction of the total battery capacity and material needs of other asset brands. That’s not just a smart use of limited materials, it’s a smarter use of energy.
You can check out all the XE215EV’s specs at this tear sheet, and get an in-person look at the Chinese company’s latest electric excavator this week in Munich, Germany.
Telematics announcement at bauma
Earlier today, XCMG launched its next-generation Xrea Global Telematics Platform, integrating IoT, big data, cloud computing, and AI to enable what it’s caling, “seamless cross-border fleet management.”
The new telematics platform supports a dozen languages via PC and mobile interfaces, and offers real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and data-driven optimization of both the vehicle and the vehicle’s batteries, empowering equipment managers and fleet operators to track fleets across town, or across time zones.
“XCMG remains committed to advancing engineering technology to empower a sustainable future. Our mission is to deliver efficient, intelligent, and eco-friendly lifecycle solutions for global clients,” said Mr. Yang Dongsheng, Chairman of XCMG Group and XCMG Machinery. “Today, 19% of our product portfolio comprises green innovations under our ‘Green Mountain’ new energy line, with full electrification across all series underway.”
SOURCE | IMAGES: XCMG; via PR Newswire.
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![A vast 600 MW Texas solar farm just hit a major milestone [update]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Hornet-Solar-Texas-2.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Renewable developer Vesper Energy has cut the ribbon on Hornet Solar in Swisher County, Texas, one of the largest single-phase solar farms in the US.
As Electrek reported in January, the 600-megawatt (MW) Hornet Solar includes over 1.36 million modules covering more than 6 square miles. The project will contribute more than $100 million in new tax revenue to Swisher County and deliver 600 MWac of energy–enough to power 160,000 homes annually.
January 30, 2025: “The seamless coordination between our team and our EPC partner, Blattner, has enabled us to remain ahead of schedule and on budget while ensuring quality throughout the process,” said Juan Suarez, co-CEO of Irving-based Vesper Energy.
Hornet Solar uses bifacial solar panels mounted on a single-axis tracking system to maximize efficiency. The solar farm is connected to Oncor Electric’s transmission system within ERCOT and is contracted to provide power to four off-take partners through individual Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs).
The Hornet Solar project in the Texas Panhandle is on track to be fully online by spring 2025.
Texas is a utility-scale solar leader in the US, with a ranking of No. 2 and 37,713 MW currently installed. It’s projected to install 51,144 MW over the next five years and move into the No. 1 spot, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). The total solar investment in the state is $45.2 billion.
On January 21, the SEIA, Conservative Texans for Energy Innovation (CTEI), Advanced Power Alliance (APA), and the Texas Solar + Storage Association (TSSA) reported that existing and expected utility-scale solar, wind, and battery storage projects will contribute over $20 billion in total tax revenue – and pay Texas landowners $29.5 billion – over the projects’ lifetimes.
Read more: Texas just became No 1 in the US for most utility-scale solar
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