1 hour ago, motdaeng said:

@DrJoy

about 3 years ago i was close to buying a phev (haval 6). why did i decide against it? i researched bev and came to the conclusion that for our needs and driving profile, a full electric car is the only right choice. today i only regret that i didn’t switch to bev much earlier (since the model selection in thailand was limited back then) ... 

 

what are your reasons for thinking to buy a phev instead of a bev? how many km do you drive daily / yearly? do you regularly drive long distances (several hours without wanting to stop)? what are your concerns about a fully electric car?

3 yrs ago is when the market took off.   We received the ZS end of Oct 2022, after 5 month Q.    

 

Just before we placed our order, BYD arrived with Atto 3.   Ordered the MG, since they had an established dealer & CS network, which actually came in handy first couple O&A.  Had 6 months (estimated Q time) to research options & cancel.

 

Only those that placed their orders at the Auto Show (Dec/Jan) were receiving about the time was placed our order.

 

While waiting for ZS arrival the H6 hit the market.  Impressive specs, (hp / torque) with higher price to match.  At the time, thought ฿949 was a silly enough price for a car, and didn't warm up to a PHEV, as complicated & unnecessary.  Especially since, 1.5 yrs earlier, had just bought the ICE version of the ZS, which we were very happy with, and another reason stuck with MG. 

 

Up until the last moment, we thought about cancelling the ZS EV, as I had a med oops 2 weeks before receiving.  That and the expected hit we'd take on selling the ICE ZS after only owning 2 yrs.  Actually wasn't that bad, considering the market, our location, and the scamdemic.   About the worst time to sell a car.

 

Being a CC and already having solar, contracted for the house, even before thinking about a BEV, the numbers, savings, were too good to ignore, or cancel.   Solar was installed 4 Aug 2022, and eliminated our PEA BILL instantly, along with producing way more than we used.  So charging with excess wasn't going to be an issue.  Excess of 15kWh  a day, and we don't drive much locally.  15kWh = 100+ kms

 

Unless you need to drive really long distance, daily, or weekly, I'm not seeing the need for PHEV.   Especially at the added cost & maintenance.   Just spend the extra and get the long / extended range model of whatever interests you.   

 

After 3 hrs, I want out of the car.  We average 70 - 80 kms per hour over those 3+ hours.   So at 80 kms, 4 hrs is already 320 kms, which any LR version BEV should get you, with a decent reserve.   Who needs or wants to drive that far or that long, without stopping.

 

MG S5 LR rated at 550 kms (NEDC), at least 430 kms (WLTP).   Our ZS is rated 403 / 320 (NEDC / WLTP), and we consistently get 340 kms on highway, 360 around town.   After 3 hr we still have nice reserve when we stop to charge.

 

HAPPY MOTORING

Below is a 23 Sep 2025 article from the Thai Enquirer.   Read the article for full details but I have cut & pasted (plus Google Translated) a key chart from the article comparing Thailand ICE, BEV, PHEV, and HEV "production" stats from Jan-Aug of 2024 and Jan-Aug 2025.   

 

In the passenger car category ICE vehicle production continues to shrink as ICE production is being replaced by partially or fully electric vehicles.   The last column shows the "percentage" of change Y-O-Y for the Jan-Aug period...some BIG percentage growth in the BEV and PHEV categories. 

 

But when it comes to "trucks" ICE truck production continue to rule the roost in comparison to BEV truck production.

 

https://www.thaienquirer.com/60220/thailands-vehicle-production-falls-6-1-in-august-2025-ev-output-soars/#:~:text=In August 2025%2C Thailand registered,1%2C049 units%2C all passenger cars.

 

A 27 Sep 2025 CNN article....gives a good summary of Chinese EV price war and even how it affect global markets....a few extracts from the article also below.   See weblink for full article.   And in China BYD is by far the biggest elephant in the room among Chinese EV manufacturers just like BYD is the biggest EV elephant here in Thailand.

 

https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/26/cars/chinese-electric-cars-price-wars-intl-hnk-dst?iid=cnn_buildContentRecirc_end_recirc&recs_exp=up-next-article-end&tenant_id=popular.article.en

Chinese electric cars are going global. A cut-throat price war at home could kill off many of its brands

 

 

The Chinese government has long dealt out subsidies and other support for EV makers – part of a strategy that helped catapult the country to its position as the largest EV market globally and spur growth in the world’s second-largest economy.

 

Relentless price wars have ensued, depleting profits and straining carmakers and suppliers. Even front-runners are squeezing parts makers to sell below cost, while extending payment terms for months, according to a dozen suppliers, carmakers, and industry experts who spoke to CNN.

 

It’s an example of what Chinese officials decry as “disorderly” competition – and it extends beyond the EV sector to other Chinese industries like solar panels, e-commerce and food delivery.

 

This all comes as EV brands including BYD, Chery, Geely and Changan have gone global, driving Chinese auto exports to nearly 6 million last year, more than any other country. But the flood of car exports has raised alarm abroad, prompting pushback like tariffs and restrictions from Europe, Mexico and Canada.

 

 

Thailand Consumers Council addresses rising EV complaints, proposes policies on after-sales service and transparency to restore consumer confidence

The proposed policy measures for protecting consumers include:

Setting clear guidelines for quality assurance and after-sales service before approving any subsidies. For example, requiring service centres to be available in major areas within 1 year, and ensuring spare parts availability in Thailand for at least 5 years.

Establishing a special complaint centre for EV-related issues, in collaboration with the OCPB and the Department of Land Transport, to handle issues efficiently.

Providing transparent information for consumers about brand history, service capabilities, and long-term maintenance costs to help the public make informed decisions based on accurate data.

The Council will now present these recommendations to the National Electric Vehicle Committee for approval and then submit them to the Cabinet for consideration.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/automobile/40055024

What is happening in China's EV industry has happened in other industries for decennium, with the end result that only cr@p products are produced at cut-throat prices, and the consumers are the dupe.

After reading above article I read-up a little on Geely since it's 2nd larger EV manufacturer in China.   I found out Geely now owns the Volvo car division which I didn't know.....I thought Volvo was still owned by a European company.   But my Wiki research showed Volvo sold its car division to Ford in 1999 and then Ford sold it to Geely in 2010.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_Cars

5 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

Thailand Consumers Council addresses rising EV complaints, proposes policies on after-sales service and transparency to restore consumer confidence

The proposed policy measures for protecting consumers include:

Setting clear guidelines for quality assurance and after-sales service before approving any subsidies. For example, requiring service centres to be available in major areas within 1 year, and ensuring spare parts availability in Thailand for at least 5 years.

Establishing a special complaint centre for EV-related issues, in collaboration with the OCPB and the Department of Land Transport, to handle issues efficiently.

Providing transparent information for consumers about brand history, service capabilities, and long-term maintenance costs to help the public make informed decisions based on accurate data.

The Council will now present these recommendations to the National Electric Vehicle Committee for approval and then submit them to the Cabinet for consideration.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/automobile/40055024

 

Giggle...giggle....the Thailand Consumer Council is about as effective as a Stop sign at a rural intersection (i.e., it's basically ignored).

17 minutes ago, Pib said:

 

Giggle...giggle....the Thailand Consumer Council is about as effective as a Stop sign at a rural intersection (i.e., it's basically ignored).

The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) has agreed to file a class action lawsuit, on behalf of their customers, against NETA Auto (Thailand) Company Limited, the sole distributer of Chinese-made NETA EVs in Thailand.

https://world.thaipbs.or.th/detail/consumer-council-to-file-classaction-suit-against-neta-auto/58125

Have to wait and see if the Courts agree with you

1 minute ago, vinny41 said:

The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) has agreed to file a class action lawsuit, on behalf of their customers, against NETA Auto (Thailand) Company Limited, the sole distributer of Chinese-made NETA EVs in Thailand.

https://world.thaipbs.or.th/detail/consumer-council-to-file-classaction-suit-against-neta-auto/58125

Have to wait and see if the Courts agree with you

Probable end result a year or two from now will be "unsatisfying" to the complainants...if Neta even still exists in Thailand come then.

10 minutes ago, Pib said:

Probable end result a year or two from now will be "unsatisfying" to the complainants...if Neta even still exists in Thailand come then.

As is stands Neta Thailand currently has  provided a bank guarantee of approximately 2 billion baht

The council has offered a solution to Neta car owners who purchased their vehicles through finance to

Point out the solution to return the Neta car. If you can't pay the installments, you can return the car without paying the difference.

https://www.tcc.or.th/neta-car-return/

This solution wouldn't go down well with Banks and auto finance companies I think they will ask for higher down payments and shorter term finance agreements to mitigated their risks

On 9/27/2025 at 10:04 AM, KhunLA said:

After 3 hrs, I want out of the car.  We average 70 - 80 kms per hour over those 3+ hours.   So at 80 kms, 4 hrs is already 320 kms ...   Our ZS is rated 403 / 320 (NEDC / WLTP), and we consistently get 340 kms on highway, 360 around town.   After 3 hr we still have nice reserve when we stop to charge.

 

HAPPY MOTORING

Real life experience, today, from home to first set of traffic lights at Pranburi.  Only stretch we can do 85-95 kph, when possible.   Only one traffic light in between, (which we always seem to get), at Sam Roi Yot.

 

Traffic a little heavy today, weekenders heading back north, so only averaged 71 kph.  As stated, usually get about 340 per charge on the highway at speeds, and 360 around town, even though the ZS is rated at 320.   

 

Seems the car's guess is close to our ... 71 kms, with 271 range remaining ... 342

That leg, if all things were equal, till drained, then 342 - 353 kms per charge.

 

Unless we stop earlier, we think about charging at 250 kms, and leaves a nice reserve, if there's an CS oops.  As stated, thats 3+ hrs @ 70-80 kph. 

 

10 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Real life experience, today, from home to first set of traffic lights at Pranburi.  Only stretch we can do 85-95 kph, when possible.   Only one traffic light in between, (which we always seem to get), at Sam Roi Yot.

 

Traffic a little heavy today, weekenders heading back north, so only averaged 71 kph.  As stated, usually get about 340 per charge on the highway at speeds, and 360 around town, even though the ZS is rated at 320.   

 

Seems the car's guess is close to our ... 71 kms, with 271 range remaining ... 342

That leg, if all things were equal, till drained, then 342 - 353 kms per charge.

 

Unless we stop earlier, we think about charging at 250 kms, and leaves a nice reserve, if there's an CS oops.  As stated, thats 3+ hrs @ 70-80 kph. 

 

 

Shouldn't this be on the real life experiences thread?

1 hour ago, JBChiangRai said:

 

Shouldn't this be on the real life experiences thread?

 

Nah, I've posted the same over there a couple times.  Folks on that thread are actually interested in owner or have EV.  Just posted here, to verify the previous post, for the non believers.

 

Many think, as I used to, never trust what an auto make states.  Well, still true, but, MG is the only one I have experience with, who's info and promos are spot on,  even better, quite conservative.

 

I think I stated way back, before receiving the MG ZS, I'd be happy with 275 kms per charge and doubt the 320 claim, even though done by 3rd party, since low test speeds.   Claims always having their 'escape clause' ... depending on driving habits, results may differ.   So real happy with an average of 340 on highways & 360 around town, since having one of the smaller batteries.  

 

Turns out to be more battery than we need or will use in any one leg of any journey.  If it was possible to maintain 100 kph, safely on Thai roads, I might want a bit more range, requiring a larger battery.

 

Anyone would be happy with the MG4 or S5 in TH, having same size battery and nice price point.   Especially since most aren't O&A as much as we are.   More than enough for exploring locally.

 

Took dog to the vet, ~100 kms away, then out to rolling hills for a munch, dog waiting in AC comfort, while munching, then back home, and still had shy of 100 kms reserve left.  The savings from not buying petrol, paid for a really nice munch.

 

What's not to love.   If you're a CC or just enjoy driving a better performing vehicle, then those shopping for your next car .... do yourself a favor and peek at BEV.

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

I think I stated way back, before receiving the MG ZS, I'd be happy with 275 kms per charge and doubt the 320 claim, even though done by 3rd party, since low test speeds.   Claims always having their 'escape clause' ... depending on driving habits, results may differ.   So real happy with an average of 340 on highways & 360 around town, since having one of the smaller batteries.  

Got my curious, so into search mode and  ... WOW, I was more negative than I thought, before ordering the 2022 MG ZS EV 

 

Me ... 17 May 2022, just prior to ordering ...

 

... "NEDC = Not Even Damn Close.  Range rating of 400kms, and personally I wouldn't expect much more than 200 kms on the highway at speed.  NEDC's average testing speed is 37 kph.  WTLP's is at 47 kph.  That's barely knocking around town speeds.  Do 100 kph on the highway, and you ain't going near that NEDC 400 or WTLP 320 (?) km rating." ...

 

Thankfully @macahoom & @Bandersnatch (you bastards) straightened my butt out with real life experiences, THANK YOU very much, since owning the MG EVs, and older models to top it off.   Along with YT vids from 'Bjørn Nyland'.

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1257405-electric-vehicles-in-thailand/page/5/#findComment-17365184

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1257405-electric-vehicles-in-thailand/page/5/#findComment-17365218

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1257405-electric-vehicles-in-thailand/page/6/#comment-17372676

 

Sometime between 17 May & 22 May 2022, we placed the order for the MG ZS EV, and never looked back.  Arriving about 1 month earlier than 6 month, Oct 30.

 

So blame those 3 guys above, for me bore-assing y'all about BEV  

 

Here’s why we should all switch from EV’s to Internal Combustion Engine cars straight away.

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1VbDYp6nk8/?mibextid=wwXIfr

2 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

Here’s why we should all switch from EV’s to Internal Combustion Engine cars straight away.

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1VbDYp6nk8/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Awesome video!!!

 

But I wonder if this video had been available over a hundred years ago when the transition from horse & buggy to combustion engine cars was beginning if it would have deterred the transaction to ICE vehicles.  I mean why transition from a horse & buggy which had so few moving parts (i.e., a few legs and wheels) and simple to operate to the complicated ICE with many  many moving parts.  I guess humans like complicated things.  😄

41 minutes ago, Pib said:

Awesome video!!!

 

But I wonder if this video had been available over a hundred years ago when the transition from horse & buggy to combustion engine cars was beginning if it would have deterred the transaction to ICE vehicles.  I mean why transition from a horse & buggy which had so few moving parts (i.e., a few legs and wheels) and simple to operate to the complicated ICE with many  many moving parts.  I guess humans like complicated things.  😄

The Bersey Electric Cab (also known as the London Electrical Cab) was an early electric-powered vehicle and the first electric hackney carriage (black cab) in London. Developed by Walter Bersey, the vehicles had a top speed of up to 12 mph (19 km/h) and could carry two passengers. An initial service of 12 cabs began on 19 August 1897 and a total of 77 were built, with a maximum of 75 in service at once.

The vehicles suffered badly from wear in service owing to their heavy weight. This damaged the batteries and tyres, which were expensive to replace, and made their operation unprofitable. The cabs were withdrawn in August 1899 and electric hackney carriages did not return to the streets of London until the Nissan Dynamo was introduced in October 2019.

The fleet peaked at around 75 cabs, all of which needed to return to the single depot at Lambeth to switch batteries. This was achieved by means of hydraulic lifts that could complete the operation in 2–3 minutes per cab.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bersey_Electric_Cab

Gool ol' Toyota propaganda.....game changing Toyota technology "that is always just around the corner."   

 

And Toyota is not slow to change but instead just prefers to go slow to get there.   

 

I included a few partial quotes/cut & paste below....go to the weblink below to read the full article...Toyota rules...just ask Mr. Toyota!!! (giggle, giggle)

 

https://www.car250.com/toyota-ev-solid-state-battery-2027.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 minutes ago, Pib said:

Gool ol' Toyota propaganda.....game changing Toyota technology "that is always just around the corner."   

 

And Toyota is not slow to change but instead just prefers to go slow to get there.   

 

I included a few partial quotes/cut & paste below....go to the weblink below to read the full article...Toyota rules...just ask Mr. Toyota!!! (giggle, giggle)

 

https://www.car250.com/toyota-ev-solid-state-battery-2027.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lots of errors in the above article

BMW and Toyota Were Right: Going All in on EVs Was a Mistake

Where other automakers rushed to kill the combustion engine, BMW and Toyota stayed strong. And it's working in their favor.

https://www.motor1.com/features/774899/bmw-toyota-right-engine-strategy/

Germany's Merz opposes EU's hard cut-off for combustion cars from 2035

BERLIN, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed to do everything possible to ensure there is no hard cut-off for carbon dioxide-emitting cars from 2035 in the European Union after meeting with executives from top German automakers on Thursday.

"If I have my way, and I will do everything I can to achieve this, there will be no such hard cut in 2035," Merz told a press conference following the meeting.

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/germanys-merz-heads-auto-execs-meeting-without-unified-stance-eus-2035-target-2025-10-09/

The NEW MG4 2025 doesn't just have a semi-solid-state battery, it also comes with the new SAIC E3...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-CLQpvl43Q

solid state battery already available in China for MG4

 

Above Toyota EV story is floating around the internet in slightly different versions like below webpage.   

 

And I I just love a comment that John made regarding the Toyota propaganda...IMO it sums it up well regarding Toyota's EV plans/products that always seem "just around the corner."   See John's comment at bottom.

.https://electrek.co/2025/10/08/toyota-aims-to-launch-worlds-first-all-solid-state-ev-batteries/

 

 

Quote

 

Top comment by john

A cynic might recognize a tactic from the PC world. The big company who doesn't have a competitive product attempts to mess up the market by making bold announcements of fantastic products that are coming "soon".

 

 

 

AI overview

Toyota's 2025 sales results vary by region, with positive growth in the U.S. and Europe, but a slight decline in Japanese domestic exports. In the U.S., September 2025 sales were up 14.2% year-over-year, while Toyota Motor Europe reported a 1% increase for the first half of 2025. Toyota has projected a global production of approximately 537,860 units for 2025, a 0.3% increase from the previous year. 

By region

United States:

September 2025 sales increased 14.2% compared to September 2024, with the third quarter up 15.9%. 

Electrified vehicles made up 45.8% of total sales in September 2025. 

Europe:

First-half 2025 sales increased 1% year-over-year to 635,328 units. 

Electrified vehicles accounted for 77% of total sales. 

Japan (Domestic and exports):

Domestic sales target for 2025 is 231,000 units, a 5% increase. 

CBU (Completely Built-Up) exports are projected to be 336,184 units, a 1% decrease from the previous year. 

Total production for both domestic sales and exports is projected to be around 537,860 units, a 0.3% increase. 

I think you are wrong Vinny.

 

Toyota’s financial performance in 2025 reflects a mixed outcome—not a collapse, but signs of strain that many analysts attribute to its cautious EV strategy.

📉 Financial Highlights (FY2025)

• Q3 Operating Profit: Down 28% year-on-year

• Global Sales: Dropped 4%, totaling 7 million units in the first nine months

• Japanese exports: Declined slightly, while domestic sales rose modestly

• U.S. Market: Up 14.2% in September 2025, with electrified vehicles making up 45.8% of sales

⚡ EV Strategy: Playing Catch-Up

Toyota has long favored hybrids and hydrogen over full battery EVs. But in 2025:

• It announced new BEV models, including a Lexus EV division in China

• Its U.S. battery plant (TBMNC) is set to begin shipping batteries

• Plans for solid-state batteries are still “just around the corner,” drawing skepticism

🧠 Strategic Trade-Offs

• Toyota’s hybrid dominance still drives strong sales in Europe and the U.S.

• But its slow BEV rollout has cost it market share in China and among younger EV-first buyers

• Critics call its announcements “propaganda” and compare them to vaporware tactics from the PC industry

🧭 Summary

Toyota hasn’t suffered a financial collapse—but its conservative EV stance has limited upside in fast-moving markets. It’s now accelerating its EV push, but competitors like BYD and Tesla have already seized key ground.

The mistake Mercedes made was their EQ strategy.

 

Customers don't want an EV that looks different from their ICE cars.

 

Before I ordered anther Seal, I looked at the EQS line from MB and decided that the car I might order wouldn't be the EQS but would be the S580e.  A 100km of EV range and not great performance unless running the ICE, but the EQS doesn't do it for me and S class does.  I found a one year old S580e in the authorised dealer channel for 4.8M THB with only 1,000km on it (new price 7.6M).  Common sense got the better of me and I ordered the new Seal Performance for 999k.  They told me on Friday I can't have light blue colour as they aren't any available.

 

MB's future EV's will share the same body as their ICE cars, and that is what customers want.

 

Akio Toyoda is still spewing hate for EV's, he has just been called out by the experts for claiming EV's are much worse for the environment than EV's when the experts say they run at 20-30% of an ICE car over their life.  IMHO, he has done so much damage to Toyota, he should have been pensioned off a long time ago.  He's an example of someone that when given all the facts, still believes his own conspiracy theory.

Toyota has a long history of EV transition foot dragging and deceptive EV advertising....trying to make a person think a Toyota HEV is really an EV....keeping their customers dumb regarding EVs.....keeping the status quo.   See below 2019 article....I only quoted the first two and last paragraphs from the article.....see weblink for full article.

 

https://electrek.co/2019/06/18/toyota-push-science-illiteracy-deceptive-anti-ev-ads/

Toyota’s anti-EV ads aren’t just deceptive, they also push science illiteracy

Jun 18 2019 - 6:51 am PT

Toyota has been dragging their feet on new vehicle technology for some time now, seemingly happy to continue selling their antiquated gas-powered fleet, with no battery electric vehicles and only one plug-in hybrid and one fuel cell vehicle (powered by 95% fossil-sourced hydrogen) across their entire lineup.

 

But if you watch their recent ads, the deceptiveness of which we’ve covered before, you wouldn’t know this.  Because they continue to misleadingly advertise their “self-charging” “hybrid electric Corolla” as if it’s anything other than a 100% fossil-powered gas guzzler.  And in case it wasn’t apparent already: “self-charging” is not a real thing, as the entire concept violates the basic laws of physics....

 

Toyota’s ads are a cynical move – they are deceptive and attempt to misinform the public, just to try to stem the tide of their lost sales to EVs.  Instead of actually making a good car, instead of actually leveraging the engineering and manufacturing capabilities of one of the world’s largest companies, Toyota has decided to lie to the public.  They should stop, and they should put their focus on making a car fit for the present, instead of cars fit for the past, like all of their current models are.

30 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

 Common sense got the better of me and I ordered the new Seal Performance for 999k.  They told me on Friday I can't have light blue colour as they aren't any available.

 

 

So, since you can't get the color you really want are you still getting another Seal?

10 minutes ago, Pib said:

So, since you can't get the color you really want are you still getting another Seal?

I thought that was a bit strange myself, although, IF, he could sell the old one for near the price of the new one, after discount price, IF, no price drop, then it might make sense.

 

If we could sell the MG ZS for the price of new MG S5, we would, 50k less kms & life time battery warranty, and nice incentive to.   But doubt if we'd get 400-500k for the ZS.  Actually like the unique front of the 2022 ZS, as E5 looks like every other SUV's front end.

26 minutes ago, Pib said:

So, since you can't get the color you really want are you still getting another Seal?

 

Yes, I'm taking the Space Grey, though I would describe it as Dark Blue.

 

I've advertised mine at 849k.  I've had an offer of full asking but he wants me to finance it with only 100k down and I'm not going to do that.

 

I think I will probably get between 750k and 800k ultimately.  My new car comes with an ABB wallbox and free fitting, so I will offer to sell that separately to whoever buys it after he's paid. It's got to be worth 25k.

19 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

 

Yes, I'm taking the Space Grey, though I would describe it as Dark Blue.

Yes...I would describe the Space Grey as really being Blue also. I just love some of the color names car manufacturers give their car colors....I guess Space Grey sounds more sexy, sporty than plain ol' blue.

 

If I was buying a Seal the black or blue would be my choice...but that's just me as color choice varies greatly between people and what looks good on different brands/models.

3 hours ago, Pib said:

Toyota has a long history of EV transition foot dragging and deceptive EV advertising....trying to make a person think a Toyota HEV is really an EV....keeping their customers dumb regarding EVs.....keeping the status quo.   See below 2019 article....I only quoted the first two and last paragraphs from the article.....see weblink for full article.

 

https://electrek.co/2019/06/18/toyota-push-science-illiteracy-deceptive-anti-ev-ads/

Toyota’s anti-EV ads aren’t just deceptive, they also push science illiteracy

Jun 18 2019 - 6:51 am PT

Toyota has been dragging their feet on new vehicle technology for some time now, seemingly happy to continue selling their antiquated gas-powered fleet, with no battery electric vehicles and only one plug-in hybrid and one fuel cell vehicle (powered by 95% fossil-sourced hydrogen) across their entire lineup.

 

But if you watch their recent ads, the deceptiveness of which we’ve covered before, you wouldn’t know this.  Because they continue to misleadingly advertise their “self-charging” “hybrid electric Corolla” as if it’s anything other than a 100% fossil-powered gas guzzler.  And in case it wasn’t apparent already: “self-charging” is not a real thing, as the entire concept violates the basic laws of physics....

 

Toyota’s ads are a cynical move – they are deceptive and attempt to misinform the public, just to try to stem the tide of their lost sales to EVs.  Instead of actually making a good car, instead of actually leveraging the engineering and manufacturing capabilities of one of the world’s largest companies, Toyota has decided to lie to the public.  They should stop, and they should put their focus on making a car fit for the present, instead of cars fit for the past, like all of their current models are.

I agree fully with that (and what JB wrote), but they do have one EV - the bZ4x, even though it is ugly and rubbish. I mentioned before that I was working on some TV commercials for the US release of the 2026 bZ and it is much improved, more range, more hp, less plasticky ugliness. It's getting great reviews in the US but then they mostly only have crappy EVs to choose from. It wouldn't cut the mustard against any of the good Chinese offerings we get here.

Next they'll launch the bZ Woodlands which is fully electric SUV/mini MPV that they are positioning as a "rugged" off road type: 375 bhp. But ugly as sin. And the plastic is back!
 

Toyoda should definitely be pensioned off as he is still peddling his nonsense and his company is falling further and further behind.

 

 

Akio Toyoda Says EVs Are Dirtier Than You Think

Toy

Chairman Akio Toyoda emphasizes that carbon neutrality remains Toyota’s top priority.

He claims 27 million Toyota hybrids match the carbon impact of 9 million electric cars.

Toyoda argues EVs raise emissions when powered by fossil-fueled electricity, especially in Japan.

Toyoda defends Toyota’s multi-energy strategy and warns against an EV-only future approach

Toyoda also pointed to Toyota’s history with hybrid vehicles. “We have sold some 27 million hybrids,” he said. “Those hybrids have had the same impact as 9 million BEVs on the road. But if we were to have made 9 million BEVs in Japan, it would have actually increased the carbon emissions, not reduced them. That is because Japan relies on the thermal power plants for electricity.”

https://www.carscoops.com/2025/05/akio-toyoda-says-evs-are-dirtier-than-you-think/