Toyota Announces New Technologies Shaping the Future of Cars
Toyota Motor Corporation held a technical briefing to unveil new technologies that will drive its evolution as a mobility company. The “Toyota Technical Workshop,” themed “Let’s Change the Future of Cars,” highlighted advancements in battery EV technology and the expansion of hydrogen-related ventures. Senior executives, including Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Hiroki Nakajima, outlined the company’s strategy, detailing specific technologies and future manufacturing directions.
Joining Nakajima were Takero Kato, newly appointed president of the Battery EV (BEV) Factory, and Mitsumasa Yamagata, who will take the helm as president of the Hydrogen Factory in July. They presented their respective strategies for battery EVs and hydrogen-related businesses.
Toyota’s Strategy: Electrification, Intelligence, and Diversification
Toyota’s vision, presented in April, centers on three core approaches: electrification, intelligence, and diversification. The company continues its “multi-pathway approach” to electrification, offering the optimal powertrains for each region. In the intelligence sector, initiatives extend beyond vehicles and services to connect with society, including advancements like Woven City. Diversification involves expanding its scope to incorporate mobility solutions and varied energy options.
To support these themes, Toyota has been shifting resources to Advanced Development fields since 2016. By March 2023, over half of its R&D staff and expenses were allocated to these future-oriented areas, a trend poised to accelerate.
Core Principles for Car Manufacturing
Toyota is focused on three key principles for car manufacturing.
- Safety and Security: Toyota is refining Toyota Safety Sense to ensure safe and reliable technologies for customers.
- Collaboration: The company aims to build the future through global partnerships, including decarbonization efforts in the commercial sector and collaborations in motorsports.
- Localization: Toyota is accelerating “development near our customers” at R&D bases around the world to meet the evolving regional needs of its customers.
Toyota’s history of innovation, including the Prius and Mirai, positions it to lead in creating a future society. The company is committed to leveraging technology to connect cars with society and transport customers into the future.
Battery EV Strategy
Takero Kato, president of the BEV Factory, aims to reshape the future through the transformation of cars, manufacturing, and work processes. The BEV Factory, launched in May, is dedicated to achieving this vision. Key goals include:
- Vehicle Advancements: Integrating next-generation batteries and sonic technology should achieve a driving range of 1,000 km. AI-driven aerodynamic performance and a focus on natural design will offer more stylish vehicles.
- Manufacturing Innovations: Employing a new modular structure with three main components and giga-casting will reduce development costs and factory investment. Self-propelling production technology will streamline processes.
- Teamwork: The BEV Factory operates with a unified “ONE TEAM” approach, uniting functions and regions to facilitate quick decision-making.
Full lineups of next-generation BEVs are planned for global rollout in 2026. The BEV Factory aims to provide 1.7 million units of the overall target of 3.5 million by 2030. These EVs will utilize new batteries meant to set new standards for energy consumption. The aim is to inspire customers with a world-leading carmaker-produced battery EV.
Hydrogen Business Strategy
Mitsumasa Yamagata, the future president of the Hydrogen Factory, highlighted significant market expansion for hydrogen in Europe, China, and North America by 2030. The fuel cell market is projected to reach 5 trillion yen annually. Toyota is promoting the external sale of fuel cells and has received offers for 100,000 units by 2030, mostly for commercial vehicles.
The Hydrogen Factory, established in July, will support more rapid decision-making across sales, development, and production. The hydrogen-focused business plan includes:
- Localization: Establishing local R&D and production centers, particularly in Europe and China.
- Strategic Alliances: Strengthening partnerships to enable affordable fuel cells.
- Technological Advancement: Focusing on the innovative evolution of next-generation FC technologies.
The new system aims for a 37% cost reduction through technological progress, volume efficiency, and localization. If Toyota receives offers for 200,000 units by 2030 through collaborations, costs could be reduced by 50%, producing strong profits. Toyota aims to facilitate the widespread use of hydrogen by continuing partnerships in production, transportation, and the use of hydrogen, while ensuring the availability of affordable products.
Beyond Zero Initiative
Toyota’s “Achieving Zero” initiative addresses issues faced by individuals and society to reduce negative environmental impacts. The “Beyond Zero” approach seeks to create and provide value by improving lives and society.
