With Elon Musk’s dismissal of hybrids as a mere “phase” and Tesla’s (NASDAQ:TSLA) year-to-date stock performance down approximately 20%, contrasting with Toyota Motor’s (NYSE:TM) robust 29% increase, the case for investing in Toyota emerges as compelling. Here’s why investors should take note.
Hybrids vs. EVs
Toyota’s steadfast commitment to hybrid technology, combining battery power with traditional internal combustion engines, has paid dividends despite initial skepticism from investors and environmentalists. This strategy, in contrast to the exclusive focus on pure electric vehicles (EVs) by Tesla, has proven fruitful as hybrids continue to gain traction, driven by concerns over EV pricing and charging infrastructure limitations.
Toyota’s Success Story
Amidst the global shift towards hybrids, Toyota’s bottom line has flourished. The company’s focus on fully hybrid vehicles, boasting double-digit profit margins surpassing those of traditional ICE or plug-in hybrid cars, has bolstered its financial outlook. Notably, Toyota’s hybrid sales surged by nearly 1 million units to reach 3.4 million vehicles in the previous year, elevating its operating profit forecast to a record $33 billion.
Solid-State Battery Strategy
While Tesla champions lithium-ion batteries, Toyota is pioneering solid-state battery technology, a potential game-changer in addressing EV battery concerns such as charging time and capacity. With partnerships in place for the development of solid-state battery materials, Toyota aims to mass-produce these batteries by 2027 or 2028, offering electric cars with a range of approximately 750 miles and a charging time of 10 minutes or less.
Investment Opportunity
Despite diverging from the conventional path pursued by other automakers, Toyota’s solid-state battery strategy and innovative TNGA program position it as a formidable force in the automotive market. With a track record of global sales dominance and a forward-thinking approach to technology and efficiency, Toyota stock presents a compelling investment opportunity, particularly during periods of market weakness, priced under $250.
Featured Image: Freepik
Author Faith Yakubu 
