That is fairly an intriguing query. What may the biggest automaker on this planet probably study from an organization that was barely round 20 years in the past?
Surprisingly, loads. We frequently focus on how Tesla—and now Chinese language automakers—have gained a major benefit over conventional automotive firms, notably in areas like software program, charging experiences, and over-the-air updates. They’ve achieved economies of scale in electrical automobiles that legacy producers can solely aspire to.
Nonetheless, Tesla additionally affords helpful insights to Toyota in one other sudden space: the basic components of designing electrical automobiles (EVs). My co-host Patrick George and I delve into this and extra on this week’s episode of the Plugged-In Podcast.
A considerable portion of our dialogue was impressed by an insightful article from Bloomberg Businessweek. The piece contends that Toyota’s core manufacturing techniques and mindsets usually are not aligned with the necessities of the EV period. Corporations like Tesla and modern Chinese language companies reminiscent of BYD have emerged as electrical automotive powerhouses by reimagining the manufacturing course of and strongly emphasizing vertical integration. In distinction, Toyota continues to depend on designs refined over a long time within the conventional combustion engine sector, together with appreciable outsourcing.
The essential query is whether or not Toyota can adapt to thrive within the EV panorama—and the way quickly that transformation would possibly happen. Chinese language automakers are quickly claiming market share throughout the globe, and Toyota just isn’t the one legacy producer that should take motion.
In in the present day’s episode, we additionally focus on the revamped Mannequin Y and Patrick’s latest street journey in a Rivian R1T. Spoiler alert: he encountered points, however Rivian resolved them rapidly, permitting the truck to proceed impressing him.
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For inquiries, you may contact the writer at Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com.
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