Tesla and BYD Lead 2022 Global Automaker Rating – Japanese Automakers Trail Behind

The International Council on Clean Transportation has released its Global Automaker Rating 2022, offering valuable insights into the global automotive industry’s transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).

The ratings were generated around three key pillars, market dominance, technology performance, and strategic vision. The market dominance pillar contains two metrics that reflect how far along each automaker is in transitioning to ZEVs in its own fleet. The technology performance pillar consists of five metrics that combine an assessment of how well an automaker’s offerings can appeal to a growing ZEV consumer base with evaluation of progress in sustainable manufacturing and sourcing, which will be necessary for a fully decarbonized transportation sector. The strategic vision pillar reveal each company’s commitment to its own ZEV future.

The comprehensive rating, evaluating the top 20 manufacturers based on sales, actions, and ZEV strategies in major global markets, places a strong emphasis on the progress made by automakers across various metrics.

The analysis reveals a significant disparity between Japanese automakers and their global counterparts. Japanese automakers’ low ratings can be attributed to several factors. In terms of market dominance, which measures the progress of transitioning to ZEVs within a company’s own fleet, Japanese automakers have failed to achieve any meaningful market impact in the transition to ZEVs.

Furthermore, Japanese automakers have failed to articulate a strategic vision that clearly signals a commitment to making the transition to ZEVs.  This is reflected in the offerings in their existing fleets, and in many cases,  their product roadmaps. 

Why the Japanese auto industry lags in EVs

There are several factors that contribute to Japanese being laggards in electric vehicles (EVs). Japanese automakers, most notably Toyota, placed early emphasis on hybrid vehicles, such as the popular Toyota Prius. This focus on hybrid technology allowed them to gain a significant market share in the early stages of the electrification movement. As a result, the transition to fully electric vehicles was delayed.

Battery production plays a crucial role in the mass adoption of EVs. Japan’s automakers initially relied on external suppliers for batteries, which limited their control over the technology and constrained their ability to scale up EV production. In contrast, some competitors, particularly in China and South Korea, invested heavily in building domestic battery production capacity, giving them an advantage in the EV market. The US and European Union are now steadily ramping up EV battery production. 

Japanese automakers, particularly Toyota and Honda, have also invested heavily in fuel cell technology, with vehicles like the Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity Fuel Cell. This focus on hydrogen fuel cells as a potential alternative to traditional internal combustion engines has diverted resources and attention from the development of EVs.

Furthermore, Japanese automakers have traditionally adopted a cautious and risk-averse approach to new technologies. This approach, while ensuring quality and reliability, has sometimes slowed down their response to emerging trends. The shift to EVs involves significant changes in manufacturing, supply chains, and consumer preferences. Japanese automakers have been more deliberate in their approach, preferring to refine technologies before market introduction.