Toyota's leader is warning the government that its road map to net-zero emissions needs to be better tailored for the nation's economy.

The automaker is ready for takeoff in the brand-new world of electric air mobility. But for now, it is skipping further investment in a Japanese startup founded partly by its own engineers in favor of an American aerospace company focused on fast, quiet flying machines.

The company that pioneered the Prius hybrid has drawn criticism for perceived foot-dragging on EVs. But Akio Toyoda wants it known that his company is pursuing carbon neutrality.

The 50-50 company will be established this year with the goal of starting EV sales and providing mobility services in 2025. The deal is still subject to regulatory approval.

The Japanese company better known for its motorcycles and sharing historic ties with music instrument maker Yamaha Corp. is crafting a range of soundscapes to replicate the noise an internal combustion engine vehicle makes upon acceleration.

Tesla is working with suppliers, including partner Panasonic, on a bigger cylindrical battery cell to increase efficiency and reduct cost. In fact, Tesla is already making some of the 4680 cells on its own.

Mercedes-Benz will source 70 percent of its energy needs for production through renewable energy by 2030 by rolling out solar and wind power projects at its plants and through power purchase agreements.

Level 3 vehicles can drive without constant human supervision, but they rely on humans to quickly take over the driving upon request.

Experts warn that failure to obtain adequate supplies of lithium, nickel, manganese or cobalt could slow the shift to electric vehicles.

Toyota Boshoku, the automaker's main seating and interior supplier, is answering the call for future robotaxis and drone delivery docks.

The Drive Pilot system, which lets drivers engage in other activities such as watching a film or sending e-mails, won limited certification in Germany last year.

Automakers are pushing new uses for hydrogen that may, in turn, fan demand for the fuel and spur the development of a refueling network that could support sales.

Automotive suppliers are deploying with health technology aimed at detecting COVID-19, alerting someone of signs of a heart attack and purifying the air in their vehicle.

Solid-state power packs promise safety, cost, weight and performance improvements over today's lithium ion batteries. They could help bring larger trucks and SUVs into the EV segment.

The region offers a glimpse of the trends — more expensive oil, cheaper power and falling EV ownership costs — that someday could drive widespread adoption of electric models throughout the country and beyond.

As the electric vehicle market expands, so is a new North American battery-recycling industry. Its aim: to clean up the battery business and help EVs live up to their promise of reducing global carbon emissions.

Both Hyundai and Toyota see hydrogen as a viable alternative to battery-electrics. Hyundai just made a bold move forward.

Companies are drawing the attention of customers and investors as they race to make their systems better and cheaper.

Akio Toyoda is speaking out against the industry's rush to push technological boundaries: "I don't think it's at all realistic yet that self-driving cars can travel normally on ordinary roads."

Andy Kunz, CEO and founder of the US High Speed Rail Association, says Americans are missing out on the benefits of trains that can whisk them along at nearly 200 mph.