Japan is extending an olive branch to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) with a pragmatic approach to sustainability: hybrid vehicles. During a riveting seminar titled “Economic Security and Supply Chains,” Professor Yasuyuki Todo from Waseda University’s Faculty of Political Science and Economics underscored a pivotal concern. Asean’s over-reliance on electric vehicles (EVs) might not be the silver bullet everyone hopes for, especially since the region predominantly uses fossil fuels for energy production. The irony? EVs, while promising on the surface, could still be indirectly guzzling those precious non-renewable resources.
Prof Yasuyuki proposed a grounded alternative: hybrid cars. He argued that for Asean, including Thailand, hybrid vehicles might just be the golden ticket to cutting emissions more effectively. In his sharp yet insightful take, Thailand’s ambitions shouldn’t just revolve around becoming a manufacturing hub for cars. “It’s high time Thailand pivoted towards research and development,” he posited. With giants like Toyota already setting up research centers in the nation, the focus should shift to enhancing energy efficiency using existing technologies, all while marching towards the ambitious targets of carbon neutrality by 2050 and zero emissions by 2065.
“Producing energy more efficiently is another way to achieve sustainable development,” he added with a twinkle in his eye, painting a picture of an Asean revitalizing its energy sector with cutting-edge tech.
In another equally gripping seminar, “Towards Green Transformation,” Shinnosuke Ito, who heads both the Keidanren Environment & Energy Policy Bureau and the Challenge Zero Promotion Office, echoed a similar sentiment. He emphasized the importance of keeping multiple options on the table for achieving net zero emissions. In a world obsessed with EVs, he reminded the audience that hybrid vehicles deserve their moment in the sun. “We should not pursue EV success to the detriment of other industries. Alternatives like hybrid cars allow us to move step by step,” he said with conviction.
Bringing in a perspective from the Japanese automotive powerhouse, including Toyota Motor Corp, Ito discussed the diverse portfolio beyond electric cars, underlining that diving head-first into EVs might not be the most pragmatic move, even for Japan.
Reiji Takehara, director of the Keidanren International Cooperation Bureau, provided further depth with his remarks on transitioning to net zero emissions. He pointed out a significant hitch with governments offering subsidies for EVs – they make EVs affordable for the time being, but what happens when these subsidies dry up? The likelihood of continued consumer interest looks bleak.
“Despite the growth in EV usage in Japan, the shortage of charging stations remains a hurdle,” Takehara noted. The sustainability puzzle, according to him, hinges on ensuring that the electricity for EVs is 100% renewable. Plain and simple. “In Japan, fossil fuels are still our go-to for power production, including charging stations for EVs. Can any country proudly claim that all its electricity is generated from renewable sources? I don’t think so. Therefore, we should avoid being myopic in our approach,” he concluded, urging a broader, more inclusive perspective towards achieving sustainability.
The writer’s journey to Japan from July 16-19 was part of the “2024 Invitation Programme for Asean Journalists” hosted by the Keizai Koho Centre. The program aimed at strengthening the bonds of mutual understanding between Asean and Japan, with this year’s spotlight on collaborative efforts towards sustainable development.
I find it refreshing that someone is finally speaking about the limitations of EVs. The over-reliance on fossil fuels for energy production makes hybrids a more practical option.
But aren’t hybrids just a half-measure? We need to push for 100% renewable energy solutions, even if it takes time.
True, but until we have the infrastructure for renewables, hybrids help in reducing emissions now. It’s a step in the right direction.
I agree with Alice. Hybrids can serve as a transition technology while we build up renewable energy capacity.
This article makes a good point about research and development. Thailand focusing on R&D could really lead to some innovative solutions.
Agreed. The focus shouldn’t only be on manufacturing. R&D could make Thailand a leader in sustainable tech.
Exactly! It’s about being proactive and thinking long-term.
It’s great that they are considering hybrids, but what about solutions like hydrogen fuel cells?
Hydrogen fuel cells are promising, but they are still very expensive and the infrastructure is lacking.
True, but shouldn’t we be investing in this tech now to avoid future problems?
Hydrogen is an interesting option but let’s not forget it also requires a lot of energy to produce, often from fossil fuels.
I’m just glad someone is standing up to the ‘all EV’ narrative. We need a balanced approach.
100%, this EV craze doesn’t consider the full picture, like raw material mining for batteries.
I get the balanced view, but shouldn’t we be striving for the best possible solution regardless of current limitations?
Sure, but the reality is that we’re not there yet. A phased approach is more realistic.
The point about subsidies drying up is crucial. Without long-term solutions, consumer interest in EVs will vanish.
Yes, and governments can’t sustain subsidies forever. We need a market-driven solution.
Why not just focus on building the renewable energy infrastructure faster? We’re wasting time with hybrids.
Building infrastructure takes time and money; hybrids are a practical stop-gap.
Sure, but delaying the inevitable switch to renewables just prolongs our fossil fuel dependence.
I think diversified approaches like hybrids and EVs together make sense. The transition shouldn’t be exclusive.
Absolutely! Policy should support multiple sustainable solutions, not just one.
What about the environmental cost of producing hybrids? Aren’t they also problematic?
People need to realize that hybrids are still a step forward compared to traditional gasoline cars.
Japan’s perspective on hybrid vehicles is definitely more practical for ASEAN countries right now.
This whole debate feels like a distraction. We should be focusing on systemic changes in energy production.
Hybrids are just a band-aid. Electric bikes and public transport should get more attention.
Research and development can create breakthroughs. Thailand should leverage its position to innovate in green technology.
Long-term strategy matters. Subsidies for EVs are short-sighted without looking at the entire energy ecosystem.