Toyota is the world’s largest automaker, and it builds almost every type of vehicle imaginable. However, when it comes to electric cars, Toyota is lagging behind. Last year, the Japanese automaker sold only 24,466 BEVs worldwide, compared to the 2.6 million hybrids it sold during the same period and the 1.3 million electric vehicles delivered by Tesla in 2022. In an effort to catch up, Toyota recently announced an executive reshuffle that will see CEO Akio Toyoda replaced by former Lexus head Koji Sato. As part of this reshuffle, Toyota has pledged to revamp its EV strategy by accelerating the EV rollout and launching a dedicated BEV architecture by 2026.
In order to understand what Tesla is doing right, Toyota engineers recently conducted a teardown study of the Tesla Model Y. What they found was more than just key technological secrets; they were reportedly stunned by the Model Y’s simplistic yet efficient vehicle structure built with an advanced manufacturing prowess. Manufacturing breakthroughs such as the use of giga casting to eliminate countless parts and brackets, and the structural battery pack that acts as the car’s floor itself were singled out by Toyota engineers. According to their estimates shared with Automotive News, Tesla’s approach eliminated hundreds of parts and up to 220 pounds (100 kilograms), while increasing battery range and slashing overall costs.
The teardown showed how far behind some old-guard automakers like Toyota really are when it comes to EVs. Engineers concluded that the Japanese automaker needs a great leap forward to catch up with Tesla’s way of building electric vehicles. They reportedly identified four main areas where Tesla has a big advantage over Toyota: dedicated platform, advanced battery, designated EV production site, and software-defined architecture.
In order to close the gap with Tesla, Toyota plans to focus on developing a dedicated platform for EVs, as well as an advanced battery system and designated EV production sites. Additionally, Toyota will be looking to develop a software-defined architecture that will allow for more efficient production and better performance. With these changes in place, Toyota hopes to be able to compete with Tesla in the electric vehicle market in the near future.
FAQ
Q1: Are electric car batteries recyclable?
A1: Yes, electric car batteries are recyclable.
Q2: Are electric car chargers free?
A2: It depends on the charger and the location. Some electric car chargers are free, while others may require a fee.
Q3: Can electric car batteries be rebuilt?
A3: Yes, electric car batteries can be rebuilt with the right tools and knowledge.
