The Beyond Zero concept highlights Toyota's dedication to a low-carbon ecosystem for all Malaysian citizens in the journey towards sustainable mobility.
IN April and July 2024, the Malaysian Meteorological Department issued Level 1 hot weather status updates for several areas in the country.
A Level 1 warning is issued when temperatures at a location are between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days.
Increasing incidences of high temperatures and sweltering heat, even at night, also led to discussions among lawmakers in Parliament in July, who were told that records showed average temperatures in the peninsula were at 28.8 degrees Celsius in May this year while the average temperature in May 1974 was 26.6 degrees Celsius.
“Increased greenhouse gasses in global atmospheres also cause climate change which impacts global temperatures. Its impact can also be felt in the peninsula,” Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad had said in a written Parliamentary reply.
Now, we live in perhaps the most significant of times, where climate change has reached an apex.
To prevent severe climate change we need to rapidly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
Road transportation is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, at 11.9%.
As a mobility company present in over 170 countries, Toyota is shaping not just our future transportation needs, but also how we live, work, play and learn in the future.
One of the biggest challenges to limit climate change comes from the energy we use to fuel our mobility.
Multi-pathway approach for powertrains
For some clean-energy nations, like Norway and Iceland, where the entire energy supply comes from renewable sources, and charging networks are fully developed, having battery electric vehicles (BEVs) makes perfect sense.
For countries that still rely on fossil fuel supply like coal and fuel, access to electrified hybrid vehicles makes more sense.
Hybrid vehicles help reduce fossil fuel consumption, whilst still enabling cars to run on existing fuelling network infrastructure (and eliminating any range concerns of a BEV).
Most of Asia would fall into this category.
Through the comprehensive life cycle emissions analysis, Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) have emerged as a pragmatic and cost-effective choice for Malaysians today.
It is no longer about reducing emissions on a grand scale but the tangible and meaningful contributions each HEV owner makes toward a cleaner, greener world.
For Toyota, the focus and goal is firmly on achieving net zero carbon emissions.
Toyota believes that to achieve this, one single path (commonly thought to be BEVs) is less than ideal.
For example, while BEVs have some of the lowest carbon emissions, the same amount of battery resources used to produce one BEV can produce 90 HEVs.
As such, Toyota continues to pursue a multi-pathway approach to achieve carbon neutrality by offering different powertrains that can include hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles (HICEVs), hydrogen-powered vehicles or FCEVs (fuel cell electric vehicles), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), HEVs and even conventional internal combustion engines (ICE) powered by alternative fuels.
With a proven track record worldwide, Toyota has sold over 20 million hybrid cars worldwide, making it the leader in sustainable mobility.
In Malaysia, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) presently offers two HEV models, namely the 1.8-litre petrol Corolla Cross Hybrid and the 2.0-litre Toyota Innova Zenix Hybrid.
Priced at RM143,000 on the road without insurance, the Corolla Cross Hybrid pairs a highly efficient petrol engine with an electric motor.
It is also the first Toyota hybrid based on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform to be locally assembled.
Fuel consumption is rated at 23.3km per litre or 4.3 litres per 100km.
Meanwhile, the 7-seater Innova Zenix Hybrid is priced at RM202,000 on the road without insurance.
A hybrid differs from a plug-in hybrid in that onboard charging happens during normal driving and braking.
Hybrid cars also have a silent, zero-emission EV (electric vehicle) mode for short distances.
Toyota pursues carbon neutrality through diverse powertrains including HICEVs, FCEVs, PHEVs, HEVs and ICEs, with alternative fuels.
What comes after zero
Whilst Net Zero Carbon Emission (NZCE) is a tangible, close-by target, Toyota already has its sights set on the future beyond.
The automaker's Beyond Zero programme explores how net zero carbon emissions can evolve into carbon-positive outcomes, so that the planet is left in better condition for future generations.
Whether Toyota is decreasing its plastic waste, supporting water conservation efforts or expanding programs that protect critical species, the automaker is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and creating a positive impact on society.
Toyota's global impact so far:
> Electrified vehicles sold by Toyota globally in 2022: 2.73 million
> Toyota models with an electrified option: 78%
> Total renewable electricity purchased in 2023: 380,688MWH
> Waste recycled, reused or repurposed in 2021: 93%
Moving forward towards a better, more sustainable yet thriving future isn't just a hope but a promise.
Toyota, alongside its consumers, is actively taking steps towards this with the belief that not only a mobile and connected, but also greener, safer and happier world can be achieved together.
