Toyota Throws Gasoline On ICE vs EV Debate, Why Go All Electric When We Can Do Both?

The age of battery-electric vehicles is well and truly upon us, but at the Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota showed there is still plenty of fun left to be had with combustion engines, unveiling vehicles like the facelifted GR Yaris and the 300 hp Lexus LBX RR Morizo Concept. There are plenty of other combustion-powered Toyota models that car enthusiasts can look forward to seeing in the future too.

While speaking at a press conference during the Japanese event, Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda revealed the automaker is developing next-generation internal combustion engine models, noting that these engines will play an important role in it achieving carbon neutrality.

“There is still a role for engines as a practical means of achieving carbon neutrality,” Toyoda told journalists at the Tokyo Auto Salon on Friday. “So, let us refine engine technology.”

Read: Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept Packs GR Yaris’ 300 HP In An SUV Suit

“Battery electric vehicles do not represent the only way to achieve carbon neutrality,” Toyoda told the crowd. “Should we not all have enthusiasm for cars as we take on the challenge? You may think, ‘Engines in this day and age?’ It might sound like we are running against the times, but that is not true. This is a necessary step toward the future.”

Details about Toyota’s next-generation engines have not been publicized but Auto News understands that using advanced internal combustion engines will be a key focus for the brand throughout 2024.

During his speech, Toyoda noted that approximately 5.5 million people work in Japan’s automotive sector and said that he wants to protect the jobs these people have.

“These people support Japan and have the skills to make the Japan of tomorrow strong. We must never lose these people,” Toyoda said. “To all those who have made engines up until now, let us continue to make engines… I will never let all the work you have all done so far go to waste.”

Toyota will likely aim to reduce the emissions from its engines in a number of ways, including through higher compression and leaner burning technologies. It is also working on engines powered by hydrogen fuel.