In December 2022, then-Toyota president Akio Toyoda questioned whether battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) should be the auto industry’s only option. He described industry participants as a “silent majority” with doubts about an EV-only future, but that was his characterization—not the result of a published poll or a measured estimate of industry opinion. Toyota’s position was not a rejection of BEVs: it argued that electrification could take multiple paths and has continued announcing BEV models within that broader strategy.
What did Akio Toyoda mean by “silent majority”?
During a visit to Thailand in December 2022, Toyoda was reported as saying that people in the auto industry were wondering whether EVs were “really OK to have as a single option,” but felt unable to speak out because EVs seemed to be the prevailing trend. Contemporaneous reporting of Toyoda’s remarks attributes that wording to him; Toyota’s official briefing records a related argument, but not this phrase as a verbatim transcript.
“Silent majority” should therefore be read as Toyoda’s rhetoric about perceived industry sentiment, not as evidence that most automakers, workers, or consumers opposed BEVs. The sources do not provide a survey, sample, or statistic showing how many people shared the view.
Was Toyota arguing against battery-electric vehicles?
No. In Toyota’s official December 2022 media briefing, Toyoda said BEVs might take longer to become mainstream than some expected, and that “BEV’s are not the only way to achieve the world’s carbon neutrality goals.” His point was about whether BEVs should be the sole route—not whether BEVs should be developed or sold. Toyota’s briefing record provides the official wording.
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- 12V Powerful Engine: Blitzshark kids ride on TOYOTA Tacoma adopts 12V and dual motors power configuration, which can provide stable and sufficient current to 36 years kids. The seat length up to 15.75 inches makes kids more comfortable while driving; the thickened iron structure and wear-resistant silent wheels provide for smooth driving on various terrains, giving kids a better driving experience
- Dual Driving Modes: This 12V kids ride on toy supports dual driving modes: Parental remote control and Kids manual operation. Kids can use the steering wheel and pedals to drive the car independently; and parents can use the 2.4G remote control if kids are too young. There is an emergency brake button on the remote control, which can immediately stop the car to ensure the child's safety in an emergency
- Outstanding Appearance and Safety: Licensed Toyota Tacoma Ride On Truck drives like the real midsize pickup with iconic design details, stylish colors and exquisite details that can surprise all the boys and girls. Equipped with metal spring suspension, which can prevent children from being bumped; three-point seat belts and safety door locks give children more comprehensive protection
- Multifunction Entertainment Features: The central control with digital display design of this car provides a variety of functions, including Music, FM Radio, Bright Headlights, and Horn, which can offer more fun for driving. The rear of the car is a storage space, which can easily carry children's daily necessities and toys
- Product Specifications: Overall size: 39.8 x 24.4 x 24.4 inches (L x W x H). Wheel diameter: 10.4 inches. Seat Length: 15.75 inches. Maximum Load: 66 LBS (30KG). Playtime: Around 1 to 2 Hours (Fluctuates according to factors like load, speed, road surface and temperature)
Toyota describes its broader position as a “multi-pathway” approach: offer different electrified vehicle types according to customer needs and conditions in different regions. The company has used that framing in later announcements, including its description of offering options tailored to customers in each country and region. That is Toyota’s account of its strategy, not an independent finding that one powertrain is best for emissions, cost, or every driver. Toyota’s explanation of its multi-pathway approach
What vehicles and targets has Toyota announced?
Toyota’s public plans show why questioning an EV-only future is not the same as abandoning BEVs. The figures below are dated company targets or announcements, not confirmation that targets were met or that forecast launches have happened.
Rank #2
- 2 Operating Methods: Kids car supports remote control operation and child-provided steering wheel and pedal operation, 2.4G remote control supports 3-speed regulation, parents can remotely control the speed and direction of the car to improve safety
- Real Driving Experience: Kids Electric Car is equipped with door-openable design, one button start, high and low speed adjustment, with forward, reverse and stop buttons. The steering wheel with horn and music buttons allows children to feel the fun of real driving
- Safer Experience: Kids ride on car is equipped with a 3-point seat belt, soft start, front and rear shock absorbers to ensure your child's safety and comfort while riding
- Enhance the fun: the music board of electric kids car provides USB, TF card, AUX interface, the built-in music can be played and paused, rich music options to meet the child's entertainment needs
- Meet Child's Needs: The overall appearance of electric car for kids is exquisite and simulates the size of a real vehicle (35.43“ x 21.45” x 20.86"), suitable for 3-5 years old, up to 66LBS, which can satisfy your child's indoor and outdoor driving
| Date | Toyota statement or announcement | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|
| December 2021 | Toyota said it aimed to sell 3.5 million BEVs globally per year by 2030 and planned 30 BEV models by 2030. Toyota’s battery EV briefing | Historical company targets; not actual-sales results or proof the goals were achieved. |
| June 2023 | Toyota described a multi-pathway platform and discussed the bZ4X and next-generation BEV development. Toyota’s battery strategy page | Company strategy and development plans; future performance aims are not independently verified production results. |
| March–May 2025 | Toyota announced BEV lineup expansion in Europe, China, and North America as part of its multi-pathway approach. Toyota’s regional lineup announcements | Evidence of announced expansion, not a complete global availability list. |
| November 2025 | Toyota announced a new Hilux with BEV and diesel variants, and said an FCEV version was planned for Europe and Oceania from 2028. Toyota’s Hilux announcement | Variants and timing were company plans; launch timing is region-specific. |
| February 2026 | Toyota premiered a three-row Highlander BEV for North America and said sales were expected to begin in late 2026. Toyota’s Highlander BEV announcement | The premiere is confirmed; the late-2026 sales date was a forecast, not confirmation of retail availability. |
Why consider more than one powertrain?
Toyota’s stated case for multiple routes is that vehicle needs and regional conditions differ. The practical considerations behind that framing include:
- Charging access: A BEV’s day-to-day practicality depends partly on whether a driver can charge at home, at work, or through suitable public infrastructure.
- Driving needs: Range, vehicle size, regular trip patterns, and the availability of charging along routes can affect which type of vehicle suits a particular use.
- Regional conditions: Electricity supply, infrastructure, fuel availability, and local market needs vary by country and region.
- Available models: Announced plans are not the same as vehicles on sale. Check the relevant market and current model information before treating a launch forecast as availability.
These are decision factors, not a comparative ranking. Toyota’s cited statements do not provide tests establishing that BEVs, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, or fuel-cell vehicles are universally superior or inferior.
Rank #3
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Is the “silent majority” claim still current?
The remark belongs to December 2022. It is useful context for Toyoda’s argument at the time, but it should not be presented as current survey data or as a measured description of the auto industry today. Toyota’s subsequent statements and BEV announcements show that it continued developing and expanding BEVs while advocating a wider powertrain portfolio.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- High-quality toy car: Package size: 8.6×3.7×2.9 in. package weight: 1.3 pounds. Suitable for playing.
- Exquisite design: Four doors can be opened. The hood and Tailgate can also be opened. Made of zinc alloy, plastic and electronics. Safe material. This model car has detailed interior and exterior. Wheels simulates shock absorption.
- Cool light and sound: Press the front of the car to trigger sounds and lights. Press steering wheel to trigger horn sound.
- Pull back model car: Place the toy car on the ground, hold down its body and pull it back, it will drive forward. Very interesting.
- Awesome Gift: It is an ideal gift toy model car for children, also great to use for collection and decoration.
Rank #4
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- 【Safety Guarantee】This 1/32 pull back model has passed the American Toy Standard CPC, CPSIA. safe for children over 3 years old. If you have any questions about this product, please feel free to contact us.
- 【FUN AND UNIQUE GIFT】: This toy car is the perfect educational toy gift for any kid interested in science, Construction vehicle, and more! It's the perfect gift for kids on birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter and more. Equally suitable for toy car collectors.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
