Toyota, the biggest car maker, is investing in the future of transportation with new flexible internal combustion engines (ICEs).
These engines aim to meet stricter emissions rules and can be used in different types of vehicles, including hybrids and those running on biofuel.
At a recent media event, Toyota, along with partners Subaru and Mazda Motor, unveiled their upcoming 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter engines. These engines are much smaller and shorter than current models, showing big progress in car engineering.
Toyota’s strategy stands out from other automakers focused on shifting entirely to electric vehicles (EVs).
In Toyota’s words, “These engines will be optimized to work seamlessly with motors, batteries, and other electric drive units.”
Smaller Engines for Cleaner Cars
United in the quest for decarbonization, the three companies have targeted carbon as their main foe.
The upcoming engines will be vital in achieving carbon neutrality. Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda plan to improve engine performance and integrate them seamlessly with electric drive units, leveraging their combined strengths.
These efficient and powerful engines will also be smaller, enabling lower hoods, sleeker designs, and improved aerodynamics, ultimately enhancing fuel efficiency.
The development aims to meet stringent emissions rules while moving away from fossil fuels to carbon-neutral alternatives like e-fuel, biofuels, and liquid hydrogen. This transition will help promote the wider use of carbon-neutral fuels.
In this initiative, a new 1.5-liter engine is under development, 10% smaller and lighter than current 1.5-liter engines used in models like the Yaris compact.
Similarly, the new 2.0-liter turbo engine will see comparable size and weight reductions compared to existing 2.4-liter turbo engines found in larger models, such as three-row seating SUVs.
“To offer our customers diverse options for achieving carbon neutrality, we must evolve engines that align with the future energy environment,” said Koji Sato, president, board member, and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation.
However, Toyota did not provide a timeline for when models equipped with the new engine series will hit the market.
Investing in alternative technologies
As stricter emission standards loom in major automotive markets, Toyota is strategizing for the future. The European Union aims to roll out new regulations, including “Euro 7,” by 2030, with plans to halt sales of new CO2-emitting cars by 2035.
As a hybrid vehicle pioneer, Toyota is proceeding carefully in its decarbonization plans. It intends to uphold its leadership in hybrid tech while exploring alternatives like biofuel and hydrogen-powered models.
According to Reuters, Toyota sold around 2.4 million vehicles from January to March, with nearly 40% being petrol-electric hybrids. Plug-in hybrids, fuel-cell vehicles, and all-electric vehicles made up only 2.9% of total sales.
Chairman Akio Toyoda predicted in January that electric vehicles would capture a maximum of 30% of the global auto market. The rest would consist of hybrids, hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, and traditional fuel-burning vehicles.
The demand for hybrids has led BYD, the world’s largest EV manufacturer, to venture into hybrid technology. The company recently introduced its innovative plug-in hybrid system, achieving a fuel economy of 2.9 litres per 62.1 miles (100 kilometres) on depleted batteries.
