People will always better outfit their machines and toys to meet their needs. It’s an indication of where we are as a global society, what we prioritize, and a testament to how far we’ve come. We began the automotive journey with lanterns for headlights and cranks instead of keys. Today we’re experimenting with different fuel types, self-driving tech, and who knows what’s next. With the environment suffering from human action and inaction to resolve the issues, our machines need to adapt to better our footprints. In comes alternative fuel vehicles to help remedy the issue.
Specifically, electric cars. These uniquely engineered vehicles are powered using only electricity stored in large battery packs. Most major automotive makes are introducing their own takes on the idea. But, not Toyota. Not yet anyway. Why? Toyota of Clermont is here with some possible answers!
Toyota’s Elusive Electric Car
With Tesla defining the modern electric car industry and major makes like Ford, Nissan, and GMC all following suit, it’s a mystery why Toyota has yet to produce its own mainstream BEV. In North America the only Toyota EV to ever hit the market was the RAV4 EV that was discontinued several years ago. Today the only electric cars on Toyota’s global lineup are a variety of C-HR in China, the C+Pod in Japan, and a planned model for the European market. So, we at Toyota of Clermont ask, where are the other ones? An EV Corolla, Camry, RAV4, and so on? We have a few ideas why.
Toyota Has its Money Placed on Hydrogen Power
It’s no mystery that Toyota is investing heavily in exploring hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative fuel source as opposed to electricity. The Mirai has been recently redesigned for the new model year and it looks fantastic! Toyota is likely sticking to hydrogen fuel cells for the foreseeable future when it comes to using different fueling types in their vehicles and there’s still plenty of work to be done to get it off the ground and into the automotive mainstream.
Charging Infrastructure is Generally Lacking
It’s true that changing for electric cars in the United States is generally lacking. But, it is significantly more widespread than fueling stations for hydrogen fuel cells. EV charging stations are also receiving huge investment from other automotive makes which translates to more units opening. Toyota may hesitant to take the plunge until more changing stations are available for use.
Hybrids are Toyota’s Mainstay
Ever since the introduction of the Clermont Toyota Prius back in 1997, Toyota has been a big generator of hybrid vehicles in the automotive industry. Hybrid vehicles combine the best of ICE and electric car engineering by providing both electric power and gasoline convenience. Toyota will likely continue to manufacture hybrids for several years before investing into a BEV on the lineup.
Shop with Toyota of Clermont Today
If you're waiting for an electric car from the Toyota lineup to arrive at Toyota of Clermont, you might be waiting a while. But, there are plenty of unique hybrid drivetrain options available at 16851 State Road 50 today!
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