Articles tagged with "Toyota"
Toyota Launches New EV Charging Partnership To Juice US Sales
Toyota, historically slow to embrace electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the US, has recently launched a new home EV charging partnership with the American company Treehouse to boost its EV sales. This collaboration focuses on the critical home charging market, where most EV owners prefer to recharge their vehicles. Treehouse differentiates itself by offering a data-driven approach that helps prospective EV buyers estimate the cost and feasibility of home charger installation tailored to their specific homes. The company also partners with financing firms to bundle charger costs into auto loans, making upfront expenses more manageable and potentially lowering monthly charging costs compared to exclusive use of public chargers. Toyota’s partnership with Treehouse complements its strategy of encouraging overnight, managed charging during off-peak utility hours, which aligns with typical customer charging habits and lower electricity rates. All 2026 and newer Toyota and Lexus battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) come standard with a dual-voltage 120V/240V AC home charger cable
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-chargingToyotahome-chargingclean-energysustainable-transportationToyota Canada to deploy humanoid robots at SUV plant for assembly work
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) plans to deploy seven Digit humanoid robots from Oregon-based Agility Robotics at its SUV plant to assist with logistics and supply chain tasks, particularly unloading auto-parts totes from automated warehouse tuggers. This deployment follows a successful pilot and operates under a Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) agreement aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and improving the team member experience. Alongside the robots, Agility Robotics will implement its cloud-based automation platform, Agility Arc, which uses AI to manage robot fleets, reduce deployment costs, and enable the robots to learn and adapt to new manufacturing workflows without requiring facility overhauls. The collaboration between TMMC and Agility Robotics aims to explore further applications of humanoid robots to reduce repetitive and physically taxing tasks in automotive manufacturing, thereby improving worker safety and productivity. While current robots like Digit require human supervision for heavy-lifting tasks, Agility Robotics is developing a next-generation cooperatively safe humanoid robot designed to work alongside humans
roboticshumanoid-robotsmanufacturing-automationToyotaAI-in-roboticslogistics-automationindustrial-robotsThe Highlander BEV: Toyota's Missing Debut at the 2026 Chicago Auto Show - CleanTechnica
At the 2026 Chicago Auto Show, Toyota revealed its new Highlander BEV, a three-row battery-electric SUV and a key element of its multipath electrification strategy, but notably did not display the vehicle physically on the show floor. Instead, Toyota showcased the existing Highlander in hybrid and gasoline versions alongside the updated bZ crossover, the only BEV present. This deliberate choice emphasized Toyota’s current sales focus on hybrid models, particularly the RAV4, which was prominently featured with its full electrified range. The RAV4’s strong market presence and diverse powertrain options illustrated Toyota’s approach to balancing immediate consumer demand with gradual EV adoption amid challenges like high vehicle prices and limited charging infrastructure. The Highlander BEV, built in Kentucky with batteries from Toyota’s North Carolina plant, marks Toyota’s first BEV assembled in the U.S., aligning with domestic supply chains and federal incentives. It offers competitive performance with a dual-motor AWD system producing about 338 horsepower and an estimated
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-electric-vehicleToyotahybrid-technologyEV-transitionautomotive-energy-storagePremiere of 3-Row Highlander BEV in North America - CleanTechnica
Toyota Motor Corporation announced the North American premiere of a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) version of its three-row SUV, the Highlander, as part of its multi-pathway strategy to achieve carbon neutrality. The unveiling took place on February 10, 2024, in Ojai, California, with sales expected to begin in late 2026. This BEV Highlander will be produced at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky and will join Toyota’s existing North American BEV lineup, which includes the bZ4X, Toyota C-HR, and bZ Woodland models. The Highlander, a popular family SUV with over 3.6 million units sold in the U.S. since 2001, is being electrified to meet diverse customer needs while advancing Toyota’s carbon-neutral goals. The Highlander BEV will offer two lithium-ion battery options: a 76.96 kWh battery designed for urban driving and a 95.82 kWh battery aimed at enhancing range for long
energybattery-electric-vehicleBEVlithium-ion-batteryelectric-SUVcarbon-neutralityToyotaToyota & Daihatsu Roll Out Shared Electric Kei Vans for Japan’s Last-Mile Logistics - CleanTechnica
Toyota and Daihatsu have jointly launched battery-electric kei commercial vans in Japan aimed at accelerating electrification in last-mile logistics. The vehicles share a common platform and powertrain but are marketed under different names: Toyota’s Pixis Van BEV and Daihatsu’s e-Hijet Cargo and e-Atrai, with nationwide sales beginning February 2. Developed in collaboration with Suzuki and Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation, these vans leverage Suzuki’s and Daihatsu’s kei-vehicle packaging expertise and Toyota’s electrification technology. Powered by Daihatsu’s e-SMART ELECTRIC system, the vans feature a 36.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, rear-wheel-drive e-axle, and deliver 47 kW power with 126 Nm torque. They offer a WLTC range of 257 km, the longest among electric kei commercial vans in Japan, suitable for a full day of urban deliveries. The kei vans maintain a payload capacity of 350 kg, matching their gasoline counterparts
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologylast-mile-logisticsToyotaDaihatsuelectrificationToyota Confirms C-HR+ BEV In UK While US Gets More Hybrids
Toyota has confirmed that its fully electric 2026 C-HR+ BEV will launch in the UK and broader European market, marking a significant step in the company’s electrification strategy. The C-HR+ is positioned as a standalone, all-electric model building on the success of the C-HR crossover, which has sold over one million units in Europe across two generations. The UK pricing starts at £34,495 (approximately $46,568), with a higher-end Excel trim at £40,995 ($55,343). The European version offers two battery options: a 57.7 kWh pack with up to 283 miles of range and a 77 kWh pack delivering up to 378 miles. In contrast, Toyota’s US plans remain less clear. While the 2026 C-HR BEV was initially announced for the US with a 74.7 kWh battery and up to 290 miles of range, recent developments—including the premature end of the $
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-electric-vehiclesToyotaEV-markethybrid-vehicleselectric-car-chargingToyota keeps betting on hybrid vehicles in the US
Toyota announced a $912 million investment to expand hybrid vehicle production across five U.S. factories in West Virginia, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Missouri. This move is part of Toyota’s broader plan to invest up to $10 billion in the U.S. over the next five years, aiming to meet growing demand for hybrid vehicles, where Toyota holds a market-leading position. The investment focuses on adding new production lines for hybrid components, reflecting the company’s continued commitment to hybrid technology amid challenges such as tariffs and the expiration of federal EV tax credits. Significantly, about $125 million will enable the production of a hybrid-electric Toyota Corolla, marking the first time this model will be assembled in the U.S. The largest portion of the investment, approximately $453 million, is allocated to Toyota’s Buffalo, West Virginia plant to expand production of 4-cylinder hybrid-compatible engines, sixth-generation hybrid transaxles, and rear motor components known as stators. This strategic expansion underscores Toyota’s confidence in hybrids as
energyhybrid-vehiclesautomotive-industryelectric-vehiclesToyotamanufacturingsustainable-transportationToyota Commissions New Battery Factory And Pledges $10 Billion Investment In US - CleanTechnica
Toyota has officially begun production at its new battery factory in Liberty, North Carolina, marking its first battery plant outside Japan and its eleventh manufacturing facility in the US. The nearly $14 billion facility spans 1,850 acres and is expected to create up to 5,100 American jobs. It will produce up to 30 GWh of lithium-ion batteries annually, supporting Toyota’s expanding lineup of electrified vehicles, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and a forthcoming all-electric three-row SUV—the first fully electric Toyota to be made in the US. Toyota has also pledged an additional $10 billion investment over the next five years in US operations, bringing its total US investment to nearly $60 billion over nearly seven decades. The state-of-the-art North Carolina plant will house 14 battery production lines and serve as a central hub for Toyota’s electrification efforts. The factory currently supplies hybrid powertrains to Toyota’s Kentucky and Alabama assembly plants, with plans to expand production lines by 2030
energybattery-manufacturingelectric-vehicleslithium-ion-batteriesToyotaclean-energyUS-investmentToyota’s new solid-state EV batteries promise 40 years of power
Toyota plans to introduce solid-state batteries (SSBs) in its vehicles by 2027-2028, with these batteries potentially lasting up to 40 years—four times longer than current lithium-ion EV batteries. The new SSB technology promises significant improvements, including a driving range exceeding 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) per charge, smaller and lighter battery packs, faster charging times, and enhanced safety due to the replacement of flammable liquid electrolytes with solid ones. Toyota’s recent breakthrough, in partnership with Sumitomo Metal Mining, focuses on mass-producing durable cathode materials to overcome challenges such as degradation during repeated charging cycles. The extended lifespan of these batteries not only offers greater long-term value to owners but also reduces environmental impact by lowering the need for frequent battery replacements. Although initial costs are expected to be high, prices should decrease over time with increased production scale and demand. Toyota intends to debut SSBs in premium models like Lexus and Century before expanding to mainstream vehicles such as
energysolid-state-batterieselectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyToyotacathode-materialsEV-innovationToyota's first all-electric 400 hp 'Time Attack' concept hits circuit
Toyota is unveiling its first all-electric battery-electric vehicle (BEV) concept, the bZ Time Attack Concept, at the 2025 SEMA Show. Built on the 26MY AWD bZ platform, this purpose-built race car significantly boosts performance, delivering over 400 horsepower through R&D-tuned electric motors—an increase from the stock 338 hp. Designed for time attack circuits and hill climbs, the concept features motorsports-grade suspension, a chassis lowered by six inches, and a six-inch wider track. Aerodynamic enhancements include a fully integrated aero package with a rear wing, side skirts, front splitter, and rear diffuser, all developed using a hybrid fabrication approach combining laser scanning, CAD, and large-scale 3D printing. The project addressed key challenges for electric race cars, notably battery performance and aerodynamic integration, requiring innovative airflow management and cooling solutions. Safety and competition readiness are ensured with TEIN coilovers, an Alcon braking system adapted from Toyota’s race programs, and
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-electricmotorsport-technology3D-printingaerodynamicsToyotaToyota to launch world’s first practical all-solid-state EV battery
Toyota Motor Corporation has announced a significant breakthrough in developing all-solid-state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), partnering with Sumitomo Metal Mining to mass produce cathode materials essential for these next-generation batteries. Targeting a launch as early as 2027, Toyota aims to introduce the world’s first practical all-solid-state battery-powered EV. These batteries replace the flammable liquid electrolyte found in traditional lithium-ion cells with a solid one, promising improvements in energy density, safety, lifespan, driving range, charging speed, and output. Toyota highlights that their new batteries will be smaller, more powerful, longer-lasting, and less prone to overheating, potentially transforming the global EV market. Since 2021, Toyota and Sumitomo have collaborated to overcome challenges like cathode degradation, using Sumitomo’s proprietary powder synthesis technology to develop highly durable cathode materials. Sumitomo plans to begin mass production of these materials by Japan’s 2028 fiscal year, aligning with Japan’s broader strategy to build
energyelectric-vehiclessolid-state-batteriesbattery-technologycathode-materialsToyotaSumitomo-Metal-MiningToyota Woven City Officially Launches as a Test Course for the Future of Mobility - CleanTechnica
Toyota Motor Corporation and Woven by Toyota, Inc. have officially launched Woven City, a real-world test course for future mobility located in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Initially unveiled at CES 2020, Woven City is designed as a living laboratory where innovation in mobility and related technologies can be developed and tested. The project centers around two key participant groups: Inventors and Weavers. Inventors include enterprises, startups, entrepreneurs, and research institutions collaborating to create new products and services through a concept called Kakezan, meaning “multiplication,” which emphasizes innovation through the convergence of diverse ideas and capabilities. Among the 20 Inventors is singer-songwriter Naoto Inti Raymi, who contributes a creative dimension by producing the city’s anthem and audio logo. The Weavers are the residents and visitors who live in and experience Woven City firsthand, providing essential feedback to shape ongoing innovations. Since September 2025, Toyota Group employees and their families have begun
robotIoTsmart-citymobilityinnovationToyotaurban-technologyToyota & Airbus Push Hydrogen Fuel Cell Dreams - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica critically examines the current state and challenges of hydrogen fuel cell technology in transportation, highlighting the gap between its appealing theoretical benefits and practical realities. It emphasizes two main issues: first, hydrogen is not inherently zero-emission unless produced via renewable energy sources like electrolysis powered by green electricity; otherwise, its production from fossil fuels generates significant carbon dioxide. Second, the cost of producing green hydrogen remains prohibitively high, making widespread commercial adoption difficult. Advocates for hydrogen often overlook these barriers, engaging in what the article terms "magic realism"—a hopeful but unrealistic belief in hydrogen’s near-term viability as a clean fuel. Despite these challenges, Toyota Motor Europe, in partnership with VDL Group, has introduced four heavy-duty fuel cell trucks operating between freight terminals in Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. These 40-ton trucks reportedly match diesel trucks in performance, offering up to 400 km range per refueling and zero tailpipe emissions, emitting only water vapor.
hydrogen-fuel-cellsToyotaclean-energyzero-emissionsgreen-hydrogenfuel-cell-truckssustainable-transportationJapan's Robot City!
Toyota is developing an ambitious new city-campus designed to integrate living and working spaces into a single, high-tech environment. This futuristic project aims to foster seamless collaboration and innovation by leveraging advanced technologies such as robots, autonomous vehicles, and smart infrastructure. The city is envisioned as a fully integrated community where workers and their families can live and work, creating a unique corporate enclave that blurs the line between home and office. While the project is promoted as a bold vision for the future of urban living and innovation, it also raises critical questions about its implications for work-life balance. Critics wonder whether this "robot city" represents a utopian model of progress or a corporate strategy to keep employees tethered to their jobs around the clock. The development highlights broader debates about the future of cities and the evolving relationship between technology, work, and personal life.
robotautonomous-vehiclessmart-infrastructureinnovation-hubToyotafuturistic-cityroboticsToyota’s new hypercar runs on liquid hydrogen, debuts at Le Mans
Toyota has unveiled its new hydrogen-powered hypercar, the GR LH2 Racing Concept, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, signaling a significant advancement in hydrogen combustion technology for motorsport. Building on last year’s GR H2 Concept, the GR LH2 features a hybrid powertrain that combines hydrogen combustion with electric hybrid technology, likely sharing design elements with the successful GR010 Hybrid racecar. The vehicle sports a more aggressive aerodynamic design, including smaller LED headlights, redesigned side intakes, a taller rear wing, and a pronounced fin, while maintaining a similar greenhouse to the GR010. Measuring 5,100 mm long and 2,050 mm wide, the GR LH2 aims to deliver strong track performance and demonstrate hydrogen’s viability in endurance racing. This new hypercar is part of Toyota’s broader “multi-pathway” strategy toward a carbon-neutral future, which includes battery-electric vehicles, hybrids, carbon-neutral fuels, and hydrogen-powered systems. Toyota’s continued investment in hydrogen technology extends beyond
energyhydrogen-fuelhybrid-powertrainToyotahydrogen-combustioncarbon-neutralautomotive-technologyBYD & Toyota Bringing Affordable EVs To The Masses - CleanTechnica
electric-vehiclesBYDToyotabattery-technologyaffordable-EVsautomotive-industryclean-energyNew Toyota bZ Woodland for US Market
energyelectric-vehicleBEVcarbon-neutrallithium-ion-batteryToyotaautomotive-technologyToyota, Waymo consider joint development of self-driving passenger vehicles
robotself-drivingautonomous-vehiclesWaymoToyotamobility-technologytransportationWaymo & Toyota May Collaborate On Autonomous Cars
WaymoToyotaautonomous-vehiclesride-hailingcollaborationclean-technologyself-driving-carsWaymo and Toyota are dating. If they get serious, a new autonomous vehicle could be created.
WaymoToyotaautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carstechnology-partnershipsautomotive-innovationfuture-mobility