Robert Wimmer, Toyota’s head of energy and environmental research has stated that “If we are to make dramatic progress in electrification, it will require overcoming tremendous challenges, including refueling infrastructure, battery availability, consumer acceptance, and affordability,” Wimmer stated.
Wimmer stated that only 2% of cars in the world are EVs. The problems Wimmer brought up before the Senate, refueling infrastructure (power grids), battery availability, consumer acceptance, and affordability are huge constraints that must be overcome before the industry goes charging headlong in the EV direction.
Toyota and Tesla were business partners which resulted in the RAV-4 EV. Neither of the companies said anything about the reasons for ending the arrangement. It has been rumored that Toyota saw something it didn’t like in Tesla or maybe in EV technology in general.
Wimmer brought up very specific concerns which need to be addressed. Even Elon Musk has brought up concerns about the strain EVs will place on power grids around the world. Governments and automakers have to be very mindful of the consequences.