Toyota Motor Corp.'s (TM, Financial) North American COO, Jack Hollis, has voiced criticism of U.S. policies promoting rapid electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Hollis described these policies as close to mandates, claiming they do not align with consumer demand. He emphasized that EV sales should grow organically rather than by restricting gasoline vehicle sales.
These comments referenced strict emission regulations set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California, requiring automakers to boost EV and hybrid sales. The goal is to limit carbon emissions to 85 grams per mile by 2032. This policy has been a contentious topic during the U.S. presidential election process.
California, the largest auto market in the U.S., aims to phase out new gasoline vehicles by 2035, a stance supported by several other states. Hollis noted these regulations impose financial burdens on consumers since EVs generally cost more than gasoline vehicles.
While Hollis did not speculate on whether Toyota would support potential measures by a future Trump administration to counteract California's zero-emission vehicle rules, he expressed hope that such a scenario would not occur.
Toyota plans to launch two additional American-manufactured electric models by 2026, complementing its existing U.S. lineup. Hollis mentioned ongoing considerations at their new North Carolina plant to adjust the production ratio of pure EV to hybrid vehicle batteries. This plant, expected to open next year, will feature 10 production lines for EV or plug-in hybrid batteries and 4 for hybrid batteries.
