Toyota unveils new technology

Changing the future of cars was the theme of a Toyota Technical Workshop considering innovative battery EV technology, producing 1000km range battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and the establishment of a hydrogen business.

Toyota announced a variety of new technologies to support its transformation into a mobility company, executive vice president and chief technology officer Hiroki Nakajima explaining Toyota’s technology strategy and the direction of future car manufacturing. He also spoke about various technologies, including concepts under development.

Other speakers included Takero Kato who has been appointed president of the newly established BEV Factory, and Mitsumasa Yamagata who is scheduled to be appointed president of the Hydrogen Factory to be launched in July.

An explanation of the “Toyota Mobility Concept” was given earlier, the three approaches being electrification, intelligence, and diversification.

In electrification, Toyota says it will continue to pursue a “multi-pathway approach,” including the introduction of optimal powertrains for each region.

Toyota’s diversification involves expanding its scope from “cars” to “society” to include freedom of mobility and diverse energy options for all.

As of March 2023, Toyota has shifted more than half of its research and development staff and about half of its research and development expenses to “Advanced Development” fields while increasing the total amount.

Toyota says it will further refine Toyota Safety Sense and deliver safe and reliable technologies to customers.

“We will create the future by connecting with our colleagues around the world through initiatives such as CJPT’s efforts to decarbonise the commercial sector, our partnership with the CP Group in Thailand, and our collaboration in motorsports.”

Toyota will accelerate “development near our customers” at its research and development bases around the world.

Through the integration of next-generation batteries and sonic technology, Toyota aims to achieve a vehicle cruising range of 1000km.

Aerodynamic performance is supported by AI, while designers will focus on expressing natural sensibility. The Arene OS and full OTA will expand the possibilities for enjoying cars, says Toyota.

The car body will be constructed from three main components in a new modular structure. Adopting giga casting will allow significant component integration, which contributes to the reduction of vehicle development costs and factory investment, says Toyota.

“In addition, self-propelling production technology will reduce the processes and plant investment by half.”

The BEV Factory is an “All in One Team” under one leader that unifies functions and regions beyond the framework of a carmaker, including Woven by Toyota and external partners.

Toyota says it will roll out next-generation BEVs globally and as a full lineup to be launched in 2026. By 2030, 1.7 million units out of 3.5 million overall will be provided by the BEV Factory, the brand adds.

The next-generation BEVs will adopt new batteries, through which Toyota says it is determined to become a world leader in battery EV energy consumption.

Hydrogen markets in Europe, China, and North America will be the largest in 2030, and the fuel cell market is expected to expand rapidly toward that point, reaching the level of five trillion yen annually, says Toyota.

“We are promoting external sales of fuel cells using the Mirai’s hydrogen units and have received offers for external sales of 100,000 units by 2030. Most of them are commercial vehicles.”

Toyota will establish a new organisation called “Hydrogen Factory” in July, which will be able to make immediate decisions under one leader, from sales to development and production.

The price of hydrogen is still very high, says Toyota which intends promoting the widespread use of hydrogen, continuing to work with partners to contribute in producing, transporting, and using hydrogen.

Motor Authority covers Toyota’s plans for solid-state batteries and other developments.