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Toyota plans to offer advanced specification BEVs that are loved as driving machines.

Not only will they be designed and built differently, they will also be powered by a range of new advanced batteries developed specifically to exceed Toyota customers’ diverse needs and expectations.

During a recent technical workshop under the theme of “Let’s Change the Future of Cars”, Toyota communicated a first insight into its next-generation BEV breakthrough technologies, including a preview of its advanced battery technology rollout plan.

Takero Kato, president of Toyota’s BEV Factory, indicated that the next-generation BEVs will first hit the market in 2026 and that 1.7m of the 3.5m BEVs Toyota expects to sell by 2030 will be these next-generation models. He also highlighted that a range of battery technologies will be key to appealing BEVs to a wider range of customers and their needs.

Toyota has unveiled four next generation batteries including state-of-the-art advances with both liquid and solid electrolytes, and gave a preview of two further steps with solid electrolyte battery technology.

Improved performance from liquid electrolyte batteries

Batteries with liquid electrolytes, which are currently the mainstream technology for BEVs, are being further developed by Toyota to deliver improved energy density, cost competitiveness and charging speeds.

There are three main technologies under development for liquid electrolyte batteries – ‘Performance’, ‘Popularised’ and ‘High Performance’

1.    Performance [Lithium-Ion]

Intended to be introduced with the next-generation BEVs to be introduced in 2026, the Performance Li-Ion battery will increase the cruising range of BEVs to over 800km when combined with improved aerodynamics and reduced vehicle weight.

• 20% reduction in cost (compared to current bZ4X BEV)
• Rapid recharging time of 20 minutes or less (SOC*¹ = 10-80%)
• Timing: expected 2026

*¹ SOC – State of Charge

2.   Popularisation [Lithium Iron Phosphate]

Toyota is developing high-quality, lower-cost batteries to support the wider appeal of BEVs by providing customers with a variety of battery options – similar to the choice they have today with different powertrains.

The Popularisation battery is constructed using the bipolar technology that Toyota pioneered and confirmed with its NiMh hybrid electric vehicle batteries, combined with inexpensive lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO) as the core material.

The Popularisation battery is expected to offer:

• 20% increase in cruising range (compared to current bZ4X)
• 40% reduction in cost (compared to current bZ4X)
• Fast recharging time of 30 minutes or less (SOC*¹= 10-80%)
• Timing: expected 2026-27

Figure: Monopolar vs. Bipolar structure

3.    High-Performance [Lithium-Ion]

Toyota is also developing a High-Performance battery that combines the bipolar structure with Li-Ion chemistry and a high nickel cathode to achieve further advances and further increase cruising range capability to over 1000km when combined with improved aerodynamics and reduced vehicle weight.

The High-Performance battery is also expected to offer:

• Further 10% reduction in cost compared to the Performance battery
• Rapid charging time of 20 minutes or less (SOC*¹ = 10-80%)
• Timing: expected 2027-28

Breakthrough with Solid-State Batteries [Lithium-Ion]

Long seen as a potential game-changer for BEVs, Toyota has made a technological breakthrough in its quest to improve the durability of Li-Ion solid-state batteries.

Toyota solid-state batteries have a solid electrolyte, allowing for faster movement of ions and a greater tolerance of high voltages and temperatures.

These qualities make solid-state batteries suitable for rapid charging & discharging and delivering more power in a smaller form.

The trade-off, until now, has been an expected shorter battery life. However, recent technological advancements by Toyota have overcome this challenge and the company has switched its focus to putting solid-state batteries into mass production.

The aim is to be ready for commercial use by 2027-28.

And, while solid-state was initially slated for introduction on HEVs, Toyota’s focus is now primarily on next-generation BEVs. 

Toyota’s first solid-state battery is expected to offer:

•  20% increase in cruising range vs. the Performance battery (approx. 1000 km)
•  Fast charge time of 10 minutes or less (SOC*¹ = 10-80%)

Further Solid-State Development Activity

Toyota already has a higher specification Li-Ion solid-state battery under development which is targeting a 50% improvement in cruising range compared to the Performance battery.

Optimising Battery Height to Improve Range

Aerodynamics play a key role in determining the range of all vehicles.

Naturally, in the quest to maximise the range of BEVs there is an increasing focus on reducing or optimising Cd (drag coefficient) ratings.

Toyota’s consideration goes one step beyond by focusing on CdA (Cd multiplied by A, frontal area) which, because of the multiplication effect of frontal area, has a much bigger bearing on a vehicle’s range capability.

Central to Toyota’s thinking is the height of the battery, which is typically packaged under the vehicle’s floor. This can lead to an overall increase in vehicle height, which then has a disproportionate multiplied effect on CdA and consequently on vehicle range performance.

If the height of the battery can be reduced then it follows that the overall height of the vehicle can be reduced, CdA can be improved and overall range can be increased.

Therefore, Toyota is also developing ever-flatter battery technology.

Today the battery pack of the bZ4X, including casing, is around 150mm high. Tomorrow, Toyota plans to reduce the battery height to 120mm, and even 100mm in the case of high-performance sports vehicles where a low hip-position is also desirable.

These battery height advancements can have positive impacts on range, driving engagement and packaging depending on how they are deployed in the vehicle.

<< FULL TEXT>>

Hello. I am Akio Toyoda.

Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us today.

Today, I would like to talk about Toyota’s strategy for achieving carbon neutrality—particularly our strategy for battery electric vehicles, which represent one of the most promising options. I believe that achieving carbon neutrality means realizing a world in which all people living on this planet continue to live happily. We want to help realize such a world. This has been and will continue to be Toyota’s wish and our mission as a global company. For that challenge, we need to reduce CO2 emissions as much as possible, as soon as possible.

We are living in a diversified world and in an era in which it is hard to predict the future. Therefore, it is difficult to make everyone happy with a one-size-fits-all option. That is why Toyota wants to prepare as many options as possible for our customers around the world. We believe that all electrified vehicles can be divided into two categories, depending on the energy that they use. One category is that of “carbon-reducing vehicles”. If the energy that powers vehicles is not clean, the use of an electrified vehicle, no matter what type it might be, would not result in zero CO2 emissions. The other category is that of “carbon-neutral vehicles”. Vehicles in this category run on clean energy and achieve zero CO2 emissions in the whole process of their use. We at Toyota will do our utmost to realize such vehicles. Today, we would like to present to you what we have been preparing for the future.

Let’s start with the Toyota bZ series of our dedicated battery EVs. The Toyota bZ means going “beyond Zero”. Freedom of movement and fun to drive for all. Our goal is not only to reduce CO2 emissions and other negative impacts to zero. Our goal goes beyond those. For the bZ series, we developed a dedicated platform for battery EVs to meet the diverse needs of the global market. The first model in the line-up is the bZ4X here, which we recently announced. Jointly developing it with Subaru enabled us to pursue smoothness and manoeuvrability as well as the drivability of a genuine SUV. For its launch next year, we are preparing for the production of the bZ4X at Toyota’s Motomachi Plant right this very moment. We will soon deliver it to our customers. Furthermore, we are expanding the bZ series line-up. Please have a look at these two models. This midsize SUV has a beautiful silhouette that presages a new era for battery EVs. At just a single glance, its styling can invite you to want to get in and go for a drive. And this is the most compact SUV in the series—a small battery EV with a comfortable interior designed with Europe and Japan in mind. The more batteries you add to extend cruising range, the bigger, heavier, and more expensive a vehicle becomes. Because this SUV is a small vehicle, there is something we must be thorough and very particular about. And that is—power efficiency. The important thing is to what degree we can increase a vehicle’s overall energy efficiency, in other words how much less energy a vehicle needs to run. This is exactly the technology that Toyota has been refining for more than 30 years. Putting our best efforts into all aspects of these, with this vehicle, we are aiming for a power efficiency of 125 watt-hours per kilometre, which would be the highest in the compact SUV class. And this is a midsize sedan that meets customers’ expectations for a first car. We also have a large SUV with available third-row seats that allow families to experience fulfilling times together. What do you think? We will not only add battery EV options to existing vehicle models but will also offer a full line-up of reasonably priced mass-production models, such as the bZ series, to meet the needs of all kinds of customers. By doing so, we hope to deliver to customers around the world the unique and beautiful styling as well as fun-to-drive aspects of battery EVs, and the experience of a life with battery EVs.

Toyota is a global company supported by customers around the world. The Toyota brand now offers more than 100 models of engine-only vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles in more than 170 countries and regions. The Lexus brand has introduced more than 30 models of engine-only vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in more than 90 countries and regions. Furthermore, we will expand the options for carbon-neutral vehicles by offering a full line-up of battery EVs. Specifically, we plan to roll out 30 battery EV models by 2030, globally offering a full line-up of battery EVs in the passenger and commercial segments. Please take a look.

This is Toyota’s greater battery EV line-up! Welcome to our showroom of the future!

First, let’s start with the Lexus brand. Lexus strives to be the brand that people who know authenticity choose at the end of the day. As brand holder, I continue to believe that. Lexus has pursued unique styling and a unique driving signature, and, as a pioneer in hybrid electric technology, it has refined its electrification technology. And now, Lexus is embarking on a new chapter. This is the name of our electrification efforts here at Lexus. Extracting the full potential of the vehicle through electrification technology… That is what electrification means to Lexus. We will deliver a unique electrified Lexus that combines linear motor acceleration/deceleration, brake feeling and exhilarating handling to further pursue the joy of driving. In particular, we believe that the Battery EV will become the future symbol of Lexus as a model that most clearly expresses the evolution of the automobile brought about by electrification. The latest of these models is the Lexus RZ. The process of strengthening the fundamentals and pursuing the Lexus Driving Signature will not change even if it is a Battery EV. The endless pursuit of the Lexus Driving Signature will move to the next stage through development of the new Sports Battery EV. With bold proportions and low ride height essential to a sports car, it will showcase the unique driving performance of a Lexus and become a model that symbolizes the future of the brand. Acceleration time will be in the low 2 second range, cruising range over 700km, and with the possible use of solid-state batteries in mind, we will aim to create a truly high-performance Battery EV. Through Battery EV’s, we will develop Lexus into a brand that offers a variety of experiences harnessing performance development that only a car maker like Lexus could do, and by honing the craft of making ever more personal products. AT. Lexus will develop a next-generation battery EV sports car that inherits the driving taste, or the secret sauce, of the performance cultivated via the development of the LFA. We will extend the driving taste refined this way to other models as we evolve Lexus into a brand centred on battery EVs.

We can position batteries and electric motors to bring more freedom to battery EVs. This freedom will allow us to be more attuned to our customers, such as by meeting the various needs of different regions, the various lifestyles of our customers, and, when it comes to commercial vehicles, everything from long-distance transport to last-mile delivery. The vehicles you see behind the Lexus line-up－they are the diverse Toyota battery EVs. The world is becoming ever more diverse. People are increasingly confident in making their own choices to lead free and enjoyable lifestyles. At Toyota we believe that truly good products create new experiences for the customer, enhancing their chosen lifestyle directions. From that point of view, each electric vehicle should be unique and special, not only those on dedicated platforms but also those related to existing models. Whether that means building on Toyota’s off-road heritage to create new exciting recreational experiences or finding new ways to combine versatility with dynamic driving. Commercial use models such as the e-palette will change the face of daily life in the city. But we will also challenge smaller size segments for new mobility solutions. Compact ultra-versatility will open up new and exciting possibilities for both work use and for youngsters to personalize. As well as new approaches for the smallest segments, such as “Made-for-sharing”, where different variations cater to different business scenes. And last, but certainly not least, car fans like Akio Toyoda will certainly not be disappointed. The EV era is an opportunity and a chance for more variety and more fun! An EV for you, an EV for me, and an EV for everyone. “An EV for everyone”.

So, what did you think about Toyota’s battery EVs? The future that we showed you today is by no means far away. Most of the Toyota battery EVs that we introduced here are models that will be coming out in the next few years We aim to achieve global sales of 3.5 million battery EVs per year by 2030. Lexus aims to realize a full line-up of battery EVs in all vehicle segments by 2030 and to have battery EVs account for 100 percent of its vehicle sales in Europe, North America, and China, totalling 1 million units globally. And it aims for battery EVs to make up 100 percent of its global vehicles sales in 2035. To achieve these goals, we have invested in various areas for a long time. In the area of vehicle development, in 1997, Toyota launched the Prius, the world’s first mass production hybrid electric vehicle. But in fact, our development of battery EVs had started before that. In 1992, we established the Electric Vehicle Development Division, and we introduced the RAV4 EV to the market in 1996. After that, in the 2000s, we demonstrated our small prototype commuter EV “e-com” in various places. Furthermore, in 2012, we introduced the “COMS”, an ultra-small EV, and the small “eQ” EV. Thus, we have long explored the potential of battery EVs. We launched the “C+pod” and “C+walk” this year and have accelerated the development of battery EVs, including the “e-Palette”, that provide people with freedom of movement in various scenes. At the same time that we started our development of battery EVs in the early 1990s, we also began our development of fuel cell electric vehicles, which run on hydrogen. In 2002, we introduced the Toyota FCHV to the market and went through various demonstrations, and in 2008, the vehicle was redesigned into the Toyota FCHV-adv. Based on such long-term efforts, in 2014, the first-generation Mirai was finally launched. Since then, using the technologies concerned to power other vehicles such as buses and large trucks, our fuel cell electric vehicles have also continued to evolve. In the area of batteries, Toyota has continued to research, develop, and produce batteries in-house for many years. In 1996, we established what is today Prime Earth EV Energy. While refining our technologies related to nickel-metal hydride batteries, we started accelerating the development of lithium-ion batteries in 2003. Furthermore, since having established our Battery Research Division in 2008, we have been advancing research on solid-state batteries and other next-generation batteries. Last year, we established Prime Planet Energy & Solutions to accelerate integrated efforts in the battery business. Over the past 26 years, we have invested nearly 1 trillion yen and produced more than 19 million batteries. We believe that our accumulated experience is an asset that gives us a competitive edge.

Going forward, we will increase our new investment in batteries from the 1.5 trillion yen announced in September to 2 trillion yen, aiming to realize even more-advanced, high-quality, and affordable batteries. When it comes to natural resources, Toyota Tsusho began conducting lithium and other surveys as early as in 2006 and has been working to secure stable sources. And in the area of energy, Toyota Tsusho has been working to secure renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power generation for more than 30 years.

Furthermore, at manufacturing plants, we are aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 by continuously making steady improvements toward reducing energy use and by expanding the use of innovative production engineering technology. In this diversified and uncharted era, it is important to flexibly change the type and quantity of products produced while keeping an eye on market trends. We believe that the reduction in lead times and high-mix, low-volume production methods that we have cultivated through the Toyota Production System, along with the steady efforts of Japanese manufacturing, will enable us to be competitive going forward. We will continue to advance initiatives in all areas together with many of our partners among Toyota Group companies, suppliers, and dealers.

Energy plays a critical role in achieving carbon neutrality. That is exactly why Toyota is committed to providing a diversified range of carbon-neutral options to meet whatever might be the needs and situations in every country and region. It is not us but local markets and our customers who decide which options to choose. As for why we try to keep so many options, in terms of business management, one might think it’d be more efficient to focus on fewer choices. However, we believe that quickly adapting to changes in the future is more important than trying to predict the future, which is uncertain. That is why we want to keep options available for our customers until the right path is clear.

We at Toyota aim to be a company that contributes to the global environment, seeks to bring happiness to people, acts, and stays close to its customers. To sum it up, we want to become a company that produces happiness for all, for both individuals and society. We want to pass on an ever-better future for the children of today and those who will come after them. We always want the future to be brighter. I believe that the future is something to be created by all of us together Japan’s automotive industry is home to our 5.5 million colleagues who have supported Japanese manufacturing and mobility. And we have many more colleagues throughout the world. If we all take action with unity of mind and with will and passion, we will be able to leave behind many smiling faces and a beautiful Earth for the next generation.

That is what I believe. And that is what we will achieve. Thank you.

More information, assets and archives of the event videos are available on the Toyota Global Newsroom.

_{* EU, EFTA, UK (excludes Russia)}

We are steadily preparing a framework to respond thoroughly to the challenge, putting all the pieces in place, including the creation of new business models.

Working in an extensive and open manner, we are collaborating with partners as we strive to contribute to a better society.

DISCOVER MORE

In order to further understand the marketability of the i-Road, Toyota will also be providing the i-Road to businesses in the second installment of the project. This is to assess their needs and the ultra-compact EV's acceptability in the market, including how it will be used in shared-use environments and their usage purposes.

Similar with the first round, Toyota will also gradually increase the number of locations where associated services such as exclusive parking spots (with some offering charging services) are available during the trial period. Toyota will also develop and try out other new services when appropriate.

The progress of this validation project will be published regularly on a specially established web page found here, http://openroad-project.com/.

Ninety-six test pilots were chosen from among approximately 3,500 applicants to participate in round one of the project, which ended just recently. The responses were generally positive, with some participants stating that, "The i-Road is really convenient because I can park it in very small spaces," and "My range of travel has expanded because the i-Road helps me go anywhere easily" among others.Through these consumer trials, Toyota aims to study the best ways to develop products and services that will build on the key strengths of the i-Road, and open up exciting new possibilities for the future of mobility.

Overview of Round Two of the Open Road Project

1. Round one of the Open Road Project ran for about one year from July 2015 to July 2016.
2. Vehicle types may be switched according to the trial requirements of the participating general consumers and business operators.
3. Created by partially modifying the single-seater, this vehicle meets the application conditions of the Ultra-Compact Mobility Certification System of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Verification testing utilizing this system will be jointly carried out with Shibuya and Setagaya wards in Tokyo. 

Related News

• Call for Creativity in Toyota i-Road R&D Project in Tokyo
• Toyota Adds Two-seater Model to i-Road Trials in Japan

Based on the idea that using several means of transport in combination (so-called “multimodality”) was one of the keys to solving city traffic gridlock and pollution, the project makes available 70 ultra-compact electric vehicles, the Toyota i-ROAD and COMS, on a sharing platform called Ha:mo (harmonious mobility). These eco vehicles can be hired up to one hour before use and are located in one of 27 charging stations installed and operated by Sodetrel, a subsidiary of French energy company EDF. The stations can handle the service’s proprietary badge or any existing public transport subscriber badge. People can use them either in a round-trip or one-way pattern, and they can be booked on a smart phone. Users can also plan their multimodal city trips by connecting to the Grenoble metropolis’ route planning service, Métromobilité.

Cité Lib by Ha:mo combines all the innovations of existing car-sharing services, adding the multimodal emphasis which is not typically found in other car-sharing services. Over 1000 people have signed up for the service to date. "When comparing Cité Lib by Ha: mo to other car-sharing services in their first months of operation, we find the results very encouraging,” said Martin Lesage, Director of Cité Lib.

First findings half-way through the project
Scheduled to take place over three years until September 2017, vehicle data and user surveys have started to reveal the first usage patterns. Amongst the main findings:

• The vehicles are used more during the week than on weekends
• The peak usage times of day are the same as for other transport modes: in the morning commute hours, at lunch time, and in the late afternoon.
• The average trip is 5 km – well below the maximum range of 35 to 50 km of the electric vehicles, proving that small EVs are very suitable for city use.
• The average rental duration is 45 minutes.
• Most riders – 75% -- use the one-way option, picking up the vehicle at one station and dropping it off at another.
• 20% of users keep the vehicle for a stop-over
• The most frequently used charging stations are the two located close to the train station, with a good spread in reservations across the other 25 stations in Grenoble and neighboring communes.

User profiles
Focus groups and surveys were also conducted to understand the demographics of Cité Lib by Ha:mo users and their transport habits. Here, the data shows that:

• Although the service attracts all kinds of profiles, the average user is a 36-year-old man, typically college educated, with a white-collar job.
• Students, which are a big part of the Grenoble population during the academic year, represent 14% of customers.
• 43% have a subscription to existing public transport services (city trams and buses, regional commuter trains, or national rail)
• 54 % also take a bicycle 2 or 3 times a week and 41% on a daily basis
• 74% own at least one car
• The service enjoys a very good image: 92%* of polled active users are satisfied or very satisfied; when compared to other transport modes, users value the practicality and the ecological aspects first, before other features like time-saving, fun, speed and cost-saving.

"The mid-term review of this experiment, unique in its kind, confirms its strong potential and its integration into a multimodal perspective. Cité Lib by Ha:mo is positioned as an innovative and sustainable response to new mobility needs and complements the existing public and ecological means of transportation,” says Christophe Ferrari, president of Grenoble-Alpes Métropole.

User community and future perspectives
Cité Lib by Ha:mo recently created a users’ club to refine the understanding of customer needs and create a community around the project. Several suggestions have already been taken on board: softer suspensions were fitted on all the i-ROADs; increasing the reservation window from 30 to 60 minutes; simplifying the pricing structure to 1 euro per 15 minutes of usage.

The goal of the first year was to get the project up and running and bring all charging stations and vehicles on line, as well as start the promotion towards the population of Grenoble and environs. In the second year, the partners look to increase the user community from the current 1000, to obtain more data and increase vehicle use. The third year will be dedicated to fine-tuning the operational business model of such city car-sharing scheme.

One of the areas being explored is to make the Toyota COMS available to 16-to 18-year olds as an alternative mobility solution to two-wheelers, by giving them access to a low cost and safe four-wheeled vehicle that is limited in speed. The partners are currently working with a driving school to be able to provide drivers’ education prior to giving access to the vehicle to young drivers.

* Based on a survey conducted in March 2016 among 400 most active users.

Located in the heart of the Alps, Grenoble-Alpes Métropole continues to generate innovations. Ranked by Forbes among the most innovative cities in the world (5th position in the 2013 ranking), the Métropole boldly embraces experiments. With 450,000 inhabitants and 49 communes, the Grenoble Métropole is home to one of the best transport networks of France: 5 tram lines, 350 km of cycle tracks, 7000 rental Métrovélos.

A major player in the energy transition, the EDF Group installs, manages and maintains a network of 27 charging stations through its subsidiary Sodetrel. The aim is also to develop new products and dedicated services, such as a single badge that can be used both for public transport and the car-sharing service.

For Toyota, this experiment will demonstrate the potential of small electric vehicles for urban trips and define the optimal conditions for their use as part of a car-sharing service that is complementary to the public transport. It will also contribute to the development of the IT platform Ha: mo that supports the service.

Cité Lib, member of the first French car-sharing network Citiz, historical car-sharing actor in Rhône Alps with 250 cars in the region, and the operator of the system, ensures the customer relationships, manages the flow and maintains the vehicles. Complementarity with the classical round trip Cité Lib service is appreciated by the 4,000 subscribers, especially by the younger generation who is interested by the flexible and economical Cité Lib by Ha:mo offer.

Cité Lib by Ha:mo in a nutshell

• 1000 members
• 70 mini-vehicles : 35 i-ROAD and 35 COMS
• 27 charging stations
• 120 dedicated charging points
• 35 to 50 km of autonomy
• 1 euro for 15 minutes of usage
• 75 % one way trips (no return to pick-up point)
   

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For pictures, please visit: http://newsroom.toyota.eu/

Notes to the editors:
Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA (TME) oversees the wholesale sales and marketing of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, parts and accessories, and Toyota’s European manufacturing and engineering operations. Toyota directly employs around 20,000 people in Europe and has invested over EUR 9 billion since 1990. Toyota’s operations in Europe are supported by a network of 30 National Marketing and Sales Companies across 53 countries, a total of around 3,000 sales outlets, and nine manufacturing plants. In 2015, Toyota sold 873,844 Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Europe. For more information, visit www.toyota-europe.com 

The charging system uses magnetic-resonance technology, which transmits electricity by utilizing the magnetic resonance resulting from changes in magnetic field intensity between a coil on the ground that transmits and a coil on the vehicle that receives. The system can reduce drops in power transmission efficiency that can be caused by misalignment or height differences between the transmitting coil and receiving coil. Created with future market launch in mind, the system is designed to minimize electromagnetic interference on nearby equipment and the ground-installed transmitting coil is robustly structured to withstand a vehicle driving over it.

Furthermore, to enable the driver to park in an optimum charging position, Toyota has developed a new parking assist function that shows the position of the transmitting coil in the parking space. The new function is coupled with Toyota's Intelligent Parking Assist* system.

The verification test will involve three plug-in hybrid vehicles in use in homes in Aichi Prefecture and is initially planned to last one year. The tests will assess user satisfaction, system ease-of-use, misalignment rates, and charging behavior, such as charging frequency and the use of timer-based charging.

The test results will be used to further develop the technology, with commercialization the ultimate aim. Toyota believes that commercialization will help promote the use of electrified vehicles and aid in making mobility that is smarter, easier to use and more environment-friendly.

*Designed to enable smooth and accurate parallel and reverse parking

The move is in recognition of the critical need to swiftly develop charging infrastructure facilities to promote the use of electric-powered vehicles. Assisted by subsidies provided by the Japanese government, the four automakers will bear part of the cost to install the charging facilities. They will also work together to build a convenient and accessible charging network in collaboration with companies that are already providing charging services in which each of the four automakers already have a financial stake.

At present, there are about 1,700 quick chargers and just over 3,000* normal chargers in Japan, which is generally recognized to be insufficient. In addition, the lack of sufficient coordination among existing charging providers can be improved to offer better charging service to customers. The government announced subsidies for installation of charging facilities totaling 100.5 billion yen as part of its economic policy for fiscal year 2013 to quickly develop the charging infrastructure and expand the use of electric-powered vehicles using alternative energy sources. Currently, each prefecture in Japan is drawing up a vision for the use of the subsidies. With this strong support, the four automakers will work together to install the chargers. Previously, each automaker assessed possible locations for charging facilities on their own. Now, they have agreed to work jointly under the common understanding that the charging infrastructure has public value and that enhancing it should be done quickly during the limited period that the subsidies are available.

Currently, there are three charging methods for electric-powered vehicles: basic charging, where a car is charged at private homes or condominiums destination charging, where a car is charged at locations such as shopping malls, do-it-yourself (DIY) stores and family restaurants for the return trip home and en-route charging at locations including expressway roadside service areas, roadside stations (michi no eki), gas stations, and convenience stores. In both destination and en-route charging, normal charging is suitable for longer-duration stops, while quick charging is appropriate for shorter stops.

In terms of utility, PHVs and PHEVs would benefit from an expanded charging network because it would maximize these vehicles' EV driving performance and combined fuel economy. EVs, which provide an emissions-free, clean driving experience, could harness a larger charging network to extend their range during longer trips.

Under the agreement, the four companies will launch a joint project to work on the following actions:

1. Promote installation of chargers in JapanStudies are underway to increase the number of normal chargers by 8,000 and quick chargers by 4,000. Normal chargers could be installed in commercial facilities (e.g. large shopping malls, DIY stores and family restaurants), which are destination charging spots or en-route charging spots with longer duration stops (e.g. highway service areas and roadside stations) when a vehicle could be charged. Quick chargers are to be installed at en-route charging spots for shorter-durations stops (e.g. highway parking areas, convenience stores and gas stations).

2. Promote charger installation by temporarily bearing part of the installation and maintenance costs

3. Build a charging infrastructure network which enables customers to use their PHVs, PHEVs and EVs more conveniently

Collaboration among companies currently providing charging services in which each automaker has already invested (Japan Charge Network Co., Ltd., Charging Network Development, llc and Toyota Media Service) would lead to the creation of a more convenient charging infrastructure network. One example is enabling the car's owner to charge his or her car at any charging spot with the same card.4. Work with government agencies and local governmentsElectric-powered vehicles are the driving force of alternative energy initiatives. The government aims to expand the use of the next-generation of these vehicles and have PHVs, PHEVs and EVs achieve a ratio of 15 to 20 percent of new car sales in 2020. The four automakers are committed to developing a charging infrastructure for a more user-friendly infrastructure and to contribute to creating a society where electric-powered vehicle use can maximized.*1 Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHV) plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), electric vehicles (EV).*2 Based on data collected from Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi.

For Grenoble and the Grenoble-Alpes Métropole, a fully electric car-sharing service has been identified as a solution to meet greenhouse-gas and other air-pollutant reduction targets. The project will provide a solution to meet the demand for "last mile" transportation and complement existing public transportation and car-sharing systems. EDF will install a charging network within the Grenoble-Alpes Métropole with charging points placed at public transportation stations to enable "last mile" transport and in areas where there is minimal public transportation. The project aims to fulfil the objectives of local public authorities to respond to the increasing need for mobility in the Ecocité area, while reducing car use.

For TMC, this project is part of research into comprehensive car-sharing schemes to explore the utility and business feasibility of co-modality transport solutions. The main objective of the research is to better understand the interconnection between the different modes of public and individual transportation in an urban environment, as well as to be able to better identify the exact needs of consumers in terms of "last mile" mobility.

For EDF Group, this project enables the evaluation for the feasibility of this new mobility system that is linked with charging stations and optimized for new urban traffic service. In addition, this project will provide a new IC-card-based personal identification and payment system, linking the charging stations with existing public transportation systems.

For Cité lib, this zero-emission urban car-sharing service will complement its current offering of mainly interurban self-service conventional gasoline and diesel car-sharing solutions.

The common challenge of the project will be to broaden consumer understanding and acceptance of car-sharing systems in preparation for its wider use the future.

TMC plans to supply nearly 70 ultra-compact electric vehicles, including the COMS ultra-compact vehicle produced by Toyota Auto Body, as well as a new vehicle based on the Toyota i-ROAD concept vehicle to be unveiled tomorrow at the Geneva Motor Show. These vehicles, with their compact dimensions, have been adapted specifically for urban driving, efficient use of parking spaces, and for "last mile" mobility needs.

TMC will also provide the One-Mile Mobility Management System, a unique centralized IT management system that will enable users to check location and availability of car-sharing vehicles and book them through smartphones. The system will also allow the fleet operator to optimise vehicle allocation throughout the charging station network.

For this project, EDF Group will set up a network of charging stations and introduce a system to manage their location information and availability. EDF Group will also provide knowledge about charging infrastructure and EV car-sharing, enhancing product and service for last-mile mobility.

Cité lib, which operates a car-sharing business in Grenoble, will handle daily operations and customer service. They will be in charge of responding to customer inquiries, subscription management, reservations and maintenance of vehicles and charging stations. They will also optimise vehicle availability throughout the charging station network.

Project overview: 

- Start of operation: End of 2014

- Project duration: 3 years

- Partners' roles:

o City of Grenoble: Allocation of parking spaces for the car-sharing system

o Grenoble Alpes Métropole: Connection to the Mobile Station trip planner

o Cité lib: Customer relationship management and daily vehicle and charger maintenance

o EDF: Planning, installation and operation of the charging infrastructure

o TMC: Supply of nearly 70 electric vehicles and provision of the One-Mile Mobility Management System to manage the interconnectivity between users, vehicles, charging stations and the web-based Mobile Station trip planner

¹A French governmental program supporting innovative urban projects such as sustainable urban development, introduction of alternative energy, and new traffic transportation systems. At this moment, 93 programs (in 13 cities) are recognized as "Ecocité". In Grenoble, a program in the northwest of the city is recognized.

² Agglomeration community

³A program supporting projects for new urban models such as innovative public transportation, alternative energy and new lifestyle approaches. The program is funded by a private investment group foundation, le group Caisse des Dépôts.

Press Contacts:

EDF

Estelle Joannin

+33 (0)4 69 65 66 16 mobile : +33 (0)6 13 47 53 76

estelle.joannin@edf.fr

Cité lib

Martin Lesage

mobile : +33 (0)6 19 79 08 73

martin.lesage@citelib.com

Ville de Grenoble

Sylviane SPINDLER-WEBEN

+33 (0)4 76 36 36 48

sylviane.spindler-weben@ville-grenoble.fr

Grenoble-Alpes Métropole

Olivier Renaud

+33 (0)4 76 59 59 51

olivier.renaud@lametro.fr

Emmanuel Chion

+33 (0)4 76 59 56 26

emmanuel.chion@lametro.fr

In a joint survey, Automotive Business Intelligence company EurotaxGlass's and UK-based marketing and research institute Harris Interactive addressed the issue in their latest study 'Electrification of the Automotive Industry — the European Consumer's View'.1

Of those questioned, some 30% demonstrated an interest in electric or hybrid vehicles, with Toyota standing out in all markets as the company with the highest brand awareness: When asked to name an electric or hybrid brand, some 15% of survey participants cited Toyota, with only 6% naming the closest rival hybrid manufacturer.

Moreover, Toyota's environmental flagship proves to be the single best known electric or hybrid model, with 16% of those questioned being aware of the award-winning Prius, and only 6% naming the closest rival vehicle.

The study confirms Toyota's belief in the strong potential of the hybrid market, concluding: 'The openness of the consumer towards alternative powertrains is much higher than the current market shares of these powertrain types. And this is true across all the major European markets.'

With over 3 million hybrid vehicles already sold worldwide, Toyota continues to roll out full hybrid technology across its main European model range.

Following the successful introduction of the Auris HSD to the C-segment in 2010, the Yaris HSD concept, presented at Geneva Motor Show 2011, anticipates Toyota's intention to bring Hybrid Synergy Drive® to the B-segment, the biggest volume segment in Europe. Prius+, Europe's first full hybrid 7-seater, debuted at the same occasion and will be launched on the European market in 2012.

Last year, Toyota set a new milestone for sustainable mobility with the introduction of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid through a global limited lease program. During 2012, Toyota will bring the Prius Plug-in hybrid to the mass market.

With electric vehicle sales still handicapped by vehicle price, driving range and the lack of charging infrastructures, Toyota sees plug-in hybrid technology as the most feasible short- to mid-term technological solution to the electrification of powertrains.

A full hybrid vehicle, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid represents a significant expansion of the Hybrid Synergy Drive® system's capabilities, offering drivers the best of both worlds. An extended, fully electric EV mode is employed for shorter journeys, while the hybrid powertrain's petrol engine awards the Prius Plug-in Hybrid true long range capability. Toyota remains convinced that hybrid drive is the core technology of the future.

Through the evolution of Toyota's full hybrid technology over more than a decade of sales, the company's incomparable record of customer experience gives it an unquestionable lead in the drive towards sustainable mobility.