Sensational claims circulating online suggest that Toyota’s CEO has unveiled a “terrifying new engine” that renders Elon Musk and the electric vehicle (EV) industry “useless.” Titles like “Toyota CEO: TERRIFYING New Engine Makes Elon Musk USELESS! The EV Industry Is DONE” have flooded YouTube and social media, alleging that Toyota’s latest innovation—a hydrogen-powered combustion engine—could dismantle the EV market. However, a closer examination reveals that these claims are largely exaggerated, driven by clickbait and misinformation, while Toyota’s actual strategy points to a diversified approach rather than the end of EVs.

The Source of the Controversy

The uproar began in early 2025 with YouTube videos and posts on X claiming that Toyota had developed a revolutionary hydrogen combustion engine, specifically for models like the GR Yaris Hydrogen and Corolla Cross H2. These sources, such as a video titled “Elon Musk: ‘Toyota’s NEW Engine Will Destroy The Entire EV Industry!’” posted on February 26, 2025, suggested that Toyota’s CEO, Koji Sato, declared EVs obsolete, with the new engine outperforming battery-powered vehicles in efficiency, cost, and infrastructure compatibility. Some posts even falsely attributed quotes to Elon Musk, claiming he said the EV market was “cooked” after visiting Toyota in 2024.

However, no credible evidence supports these claims. A Reddit thread on r/OutOfTheLoop from March 15, 2025, debunked the narrative, with users like u/tchiobanu calling it “click baited. Hard.” No official statements from Sato or Toyota align with the sensational headlines, and Musk has not publicly commented on Toyota’s engine in the manner described. Instead, the story appears to stem from misinterpretations of Toyota’s ongoing hydrogen research and amplified by viral content designed to generate views.

Toyota’s Hydrogen Combustion Engine

Toyota has indeed been investing in hydrogen technology, including hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines (ICEs), as part of its multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality. Unlike hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (like the Toyota Mirai), which generate electricity to power electric motors, hydrogen combustion engines burn hydrogen directly in a modified ICE, emitting only water vapor and trace amounts of nitrogen oxides. Toyota showcased this technology in 2021 with a hydrogen-powered Corolla racing in Japan’s Super Taikyu series and has since developed prototypes like the GR Yaris Hydrogen and Corolla Cross H2.

In a February 2025 press release, Toyota announced plans to expand its hydrogen ICE program, with potential production models by 2026. The company claims these engines offer near-zero emissions, leverage existing ICE manufacturing infrastructure, and can be refueled in minutes, addressing EV drawbacks like long charging times and heavy battery weight. For example, a hydrogen-powered GR Yaris can be refueled in about five minutes, compared to 15-30 minutes for a Tesla Supercharger adding 270 km of range.

However, the technology is not without challenges. Hydrogen production is energy-intensive, often relying on fossil fuels, and green hydrogen (produced via renewable energy) remains costly. Infrastructure is another hurdle: as of 2025, there are only about 600 hydrogen refueling stations globally, compared to over 50,000 EV charging stations in the U.S. alone. Additionally, hydrogen ICEs are less energy-efficient than battery EVs, with well-to-wheel efficiency around 20-30% versus 70-90% for EVs.

Toyota’s Stance on EVs

Far from declaring the EV industry “done,” Toyota is actively expanding its electric vehicle lineup. In March 2025, Toyota introduced the C-HR+, a compact EV aimed at singles and small families, and continues to produce the bZ4X, a family-oriented electric SUV. Chief Engineer Masaya Uchiyama told InsideEVs that these models target different customer segments, showing Toyota’s commitment to EVs alongside hybrids and hydrogen vehicles.

Toyota’s strategy, as articulated by former CEO Akio Toyoda and current CEO Koji Sato, is a “multi-pathway” approach to decarbonization, combining hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), EVs, and hydrogen technologies. In 2024, Toyota sold 10.3 million vehicles globally, with 3.4 million hybrids and 104,000 EVs, and aims to sell 1.5 million EVs annually by 2026. This diversified portfolio contrasts with Tesla’s EV-only focus, which delivered 1.8 million vehicles in 2024.

Toyoda has previously expressed skepticism about an EV-only future, stating in 2022 that a “silent majority” in the auto industry questions EVs as the sole solution, citing infrastructure and consumer readiness. However, these comments reflect a pragmatic view, not a rejection of EVs, as Toyota invests heavily in battery technology and plans to launch 30 EV models by 2030.

Elon Musk and Tesla’s Response

The claim that Toyota’s engine makes Elon Musk “useless” is baseless. Musk has not directly addressed Toyota’s hydrogen ICE in 2025, and the alleged quote about the EV market being “cooked” is fabricated, likely derived from misinterpretations of his 2023 comments on hydrogen’s inefficiency. Musk has long criticized hydrogen vehicles, calling fuel cells “fool cells” due to their high costs and low efficiency compared to batteries.

Tesla remains a dominant force in the EV market, with a 19% global share in 2024 and a robust Supercharger network. However, Tesla faces challenges, including a 13% sales drop in Q1 2025 and increased competition from BYD, which sold 1.76 million EVs in 2024. Musk’s focus is on autonomous driving and the Cybercab robotaxi, unveiled in 2024, rather than hydrogen technology. Posts on X claiming Musk visited Toyota in 2024 and declared EVs doomed are unverified and lack credible sourcing.

Industry and Public Reaction

The viral claims about Toyota’s engine have sparked heated debate online. On X, users like @ggil17 and @tribilintoby shared sensational videos, amplifying the narrative that Toyota’s engine threatens EVs. However, skepticism is widespread, with Reddit users on r/OutOfTheLoop dismissing the story as “ludicrous” and urging caution against YouTube clickbait.

Analysts see Toyota’s hydrogen ICE as a niche solution, not an EV killer. Michael Dunne of Dunne Insights noted that hydrogen could appeal in regions with limited EV infrastructure, like rural Japan, but its scalability is limited. Meanwhile, EVs continue to grow, with global sales projected to reach 17 million in 2025, driven by falling battery costs and government incentives.

Toyota’s hybrid success—evident in models like the Prius Prime, which offers 44 miles of electric range and 600 miles total—has bolstered its reputation. Reddit users on r/Toyota praise hybrids for their reliability and flexibility, with one noting, “PHEVs give the best of both worlds,” reflecting consumer demand for diverse options.

Is the EV Industry “Done”?

The claim that Toyota’s hydrogen engine will “destroy” the EV industry is a gross exaggeration. Hydrogen combustion offers advantages, like rapid refueling and compatibility with existing ICE expertise, but its inefficiencies, high costs, and sparse infrastructure pale against EVs’ maturity. Toyota itself is betting on EVs, with a $70 billion investment in electrification by 2030, showing no intent to abandon the market.

Elon Musk and Tesla remain far from “useless,” with Tesla’s valuation at $1.2 trillion in May 2025 dwarfing Toyota’s $300 billion. However, Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy positions it to hedge against EV adoption challenges, like charging infrastructure gaps in developing markets. The real story is not the death of EVs but the diversification of clean transportation, with hydrogen, hybrids, and EVs coexisting to meet varied consumer needs.

The clickbait-driven narrative underscores the dangers of misinformation. As one Reddit user put it, “A little scepticism while browsing YouTube will do you good.” The EV industry is far from done—it’s evolving, and Toyota’s innovations are part of that evolution, not its demise.