Japanese carmakers accused of stalling the global electric vehicle transition

A new report has accused Japanese carmakers of slowing the shift to electric vehicles. The environmental think tank InfluenceMap claims these firms are actively resisting the move away from fossil fuels. Toyota and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association are named as key players in this effort. InfluenceMap, an independent group tracking corporate impact on climate policy, released a study titled How the Automotive Sector is Shaping Decarbonization Policy in Emerging Markets. It argues that Japanese automakers are pushing hybrid vehicles and alternative fuels instead of fully battery-electric models. The report contrasts this with Chinese EV makers, who it says show stronger support for electrification.

The think tank describes itself as data-driven and focused on steering businesses toward a carbon-neutral future. Its findings suggest Japanese manufacturers are delaying the EV transition to protect their existing fossil-fuel-based industry.

Meanwhile, Xpeng’s vice-chair, Brian Gu, offered a different perspective on the EV market. He believes European drivers will soon value quality and innovation over lower prices, reducing the importance of cost competition. The report highlights a divide in the global auto industry over electrification. Japanese carmakers continue to back hybrid and alternative fuel technologies. Chinese firms, however, appear more committed to battery-electric vehicles as the primary solution for decarbonisation.