Read More

Toyota: Construction and Launch of a Large-capacity Sweep Energy Storage System from Reused Electrified Vehicle Batteries Connected to the Electrical Power Grid

Toyota City, Japan, Oct 27, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - JERA Co., Inc. (JERA) and Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announce the construction and launch of the world's first (as of writing, according to Toyota's investigations) large-capacity Sweep Energy Storage System. The system was built using batteries reclaimed from electrified vehicles (HEV, PHEV, BEV, FCEV) and is connected to the consumer electrical power grid. It begins operation today.In the future, demand for storage batteries is expected to grow as they become necessary supply-stabilizing tools when expanding renewable energy in the movement toward CO2 emissions reduction, a vital part of achieving carbon neutrality. At the same time, limited supplies of battery materials including cobalt and lithium, mean there is an ongoing need for environmentally conscious initiatives, such as reclaiming used electrified vehicle batteries for effective use as storage batteries. In response, JERA and Toyota began discussions in 2018 to establish battery reuse technologies, which eventually led to this large-capacity, grid-connected Sweep Energy Storage System.Toyota's new storage system is equipped with a function call...

Read More

World Premiere of the New All-Electric Lexus UX 300e

TOKYO, Oct 12, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Lexus announces the global debut of the new UX 300e, a significant evolution of the brand's first production BEV model. The updated UX 300e joins the new UX 200/250h announced earlier this year, with deliveries scheduled to begin in spring 2023.Lexus UX 300e (Prototype)Since the 2005 launch of the RX 400h, the world's first hybrid SUV, Lexus has been a pioneer of electrification in the luxury market. Based on the electrification vision "Lexus Electrified" announced in 2019, Lexus aims to meet the diverse needs of global customers through a broad range of electrified vehicles, from HEVs to PHEVs and BEVs. Using electrification technology to significantly enhance fundamental vehicle performance, Lexus continues to refine the timeless joy of the automobile, through hallmark precision and sophistication. In 2020, Lexus launched UX 300e as the brand's first production BEV model. In 2022, this was followed by the introduction of the Lexus RZ, a dedicated BEV model. As of the end of August 2022, cumulative sales of Lexus electrified vehicles stand at approximately 2.3 million units, as the brand accelerates their development and ado...

Read More

Toyota Releases Storage Battery System for Residential Use Based on Electrified Vehicle Battery Technology

TOKYO, Jun 2, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has developed batteries based on the concept of "safe, long service life, high-quality, good value for price, and high performance" so that customers can use them with peace of mind. This technology utilizing many years of electrified vehicle development as well as on-board parts and units have been used to create the O-Uchi Kyuden System(1), a home storage battery system. Pre-orders for the system start today, and sales in Japan will begin in August through home builders and general construction companies.O-Uchi Kyuden System configuration diagramThe O-Uchi Kyuden System uses electrified vehicle battery technology such as Toyota's battery control to provide a rated capacity of 8.7 kWh and a rated output of 5.5 kWh. This ensures safety and provides a supply of electricity to the entire home not just in normal situations, but even during power outages caused by natural disasters.In addition, by linking with a photovoltaic system, it can supply the appropriate amount of electricity based on customer needs throughout the day and night. Toyota believes that using this system will encourage the use...

Read More

World Premiere of the New Lexus “UX”

TOKYO, May 13, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Lexus globally announces the new UX 200/250h. The vehicle is scheduled for summer 2022 launch.Introduced to the Lexus lineup in 2018 as an urban compact cross-over, the UX uses the "Creative Urban Explorer" concept, with the aim to be the "CUE" to exploring a new lifestyle. The muscular body exudes toughness and strength, while the flared fenders evoke agile driving in order to create a bold and refined exterior. The interior cockpit combines a sense of driving excitement with a visually expansive space. In addition, we have pursued excellent steering response, handling stability, and refined ride quality.Since its launch in 2018, a cumulative total of approximately 240,000 units have been sold in more than 80 countries and regions as of the end of March 2022. The expanding lineup of electrified vehicles of Hybrid (HEV) and battery EV (BEV), achieved the percentage of electrified vehicles of approximately 80% of sales globally, making it the leading model in the Lexus electrified lineup. Going forward, we will continue to contribute to the practical spread of electrified vehicles toward the realization of a carbon-neutral soc...

Read More

Lexus Unveils the All-New RZ, the First Pure Battery EV for Global Markets

TOKYO, Apr 20, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Lexus is proud to unveil details of the new "RZ", the luxury brand's first globally-available pure Battery EV (BEV) model.Since the launch of the RX400h in 2005, Lexus has been a pioneer of electrification within the luxury market. As with the first RX hybrid model, our engineers have imbued our hybrid vehicles with an excellent driving identity and environmental performance. In 2019, Lexus' fundamental approach toward vehicle electrification evolved thanks to the Lexus Electrified vision. Lexus aims to invigorate all guests' authentic love for driving exhilaration, and in doing so, will broaden its Lexus Electrified portfolio of hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), battery electric vehicle (BEV), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) products to exceed the needs and expectations of a more diverse set of luxury buyers.The portfolio expansion will move Lexus toward another essential goal: The realization of a sustainable global society. Lexus will contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society by offering a full lineup of BEVs in all categories by 2030. Five years later, Lexus seeks to attain 100 percent BEV sales gl...

Read More

Toyota Announces Sales, Production, and Export Results for February 2022

Toyota City, Japan, Mar 30, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces its sales, production, and export results for February 2022, as well as the cumulative total from January to February, including those for subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. and Hino Motors, Ltd.Highlights:Global sales in February 2022 were generally flat from the previous year. Global production was partially affected by the parts supply shortage caused by the spread of COVID-19, but as a result of the cooperation of our suppliers, overseas production reached a record high for February.In addition, thanks to the support of many customers, cumulative global sales of electrified vehicles (HEV, PHEV, FCEV, BEV) reached 20 million units as of the end of February 2022. Toyota estimates that the use of Toyota's electrified vehicles has resulted in approximately 160 million fewer tons of CO2 emissions and has saved approximately 65 million kiloliters of gasoline as of the end of February 2022. Going forward, Toyota will continue to create ever-better cars with a full lineup of electrified vehicles for the realization of a carbon-neutral society.For the full report, please vis...

Read More

Toyota Charges into Electrified Future in the U.S. with 10-year, $3.4 billion Investment

Toyota City, Japan, Oct 18, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Toyota announced today that it will invest approximately $3.4 billion (380 billion yen) in automotive batteries in the United States through 2030. Specifically, the investment is for developing and localizing automotive battery production, including those for battery electric vehicles, and is part of the global total of approx. $13.5 billion (1.5 trillion yen) set aside for investment in battery development and production announced last month by Toyota Motor Corporation.To drive battery production localization, Toyota Motor North America also announced today that it will establish a new company and build an automotive battery plant together with Toyota Tsusho in the U.S. Aiming to start production in 2025, the project includes an investment of approximately $1.29 billion until 2031, which includes funds that will be used to develop land and build facilities, resulting in the creation of 1,750 new American jobs."Toyota's commitment to electrification is about achieving long-term sustainability for the environment, American jobs and consumers," said Ted Ogawa, Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Motor North America. "T...

Read More

New Honda Prologue SUV Begins Next Chapter in Brand’s EV Direction in North America

Torrance, Calif., Jun 29, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda today announced that its first new volume battery-electric vehicle will be named "Prologue," signaling a new electrified era that will lead to the company's vision for 100% zero emission vehicle sales in North America by 2040. An all-new SUV coming to market in early 2024, the battery-electric Honda Prologue will be highly competitive with the functionality expected by Honda customers. More specific details about the new vehicle will be released over the coming months, and Honda will engage with prospective EV customers throughout the launch starting with a new webpage at https://automobiles.honda.com/future-cars/prologue.In addition to the Honda Prologue, the company will introduce an all-electric Acura SUV in the 2024 calendar year. Both will utilize the highly flexible global EV platform powered by Ultium batteries based on the company's strategic partnership with General Motors. Honda also plans to launch a new series of EV models in the second half of the decade based on a new e:Architecture, with development led by Honda."Our first volume Honda BEV will begin our transition to electrification and the na...

Read More

All-New Lexus NX Premieres, Heraldling the Start of the Lexus Next Chapter

Toyota City, Japan, Jun 14, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Lexus announced the world premiere of the all-new NX, the first model of Lexus' next-generation range. The NX, as well as the forthcoming model lineup, will better meet the diversifying needs and lifestyles of customers the world over, and in doing so, will promote the realization of a carbon-neutral society.Lexus NX (Prototype)Since its establishment in 1989, Lexus has been committed to the spirit of innovation and has continued to take on the challenge of providing new technologies and values to its customers. With the launch of the first-generation RX in 1998, Lexus created a new category of luxury crossover SUV and has been a leader in the realm ever since. In 2014, Lexus launched the NX, based on the concept of "Premium Urban Sports Gear." Since then, the luxury crossover has been well-received by customers for its agile driving performance and powerful design. As of the end of April 2021, the NX has sold a cumulative total of approximately 1 million units in more than 90 countries and regions, and together with the RX, has grown to become a core global model for Lexus.The new NX is the first model to introd...

Read More

Honda to Begin Supplying Electrified Power Unit, eGX, for Commercial-Grade Work Equipment

TOKYO, May 31, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will begin supplying its eGX electrified DC power unit to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers for use as a power source in their small-sized work equipment. Starting next month (June 2021), Honda will begin supplying the eGX in Japan, then expanding into other regions such as Europe and the U.S. Honda is planning to exhibit the eGX at the upcoming World of Concrete Show 2021, which will be held from June 8 through 10 in the U.S. (Las Vegas).Honda eGX electrified power unit for small-sized work equipment (Left: Integrated type/ Right: Separated type)The eGX electrified power unit inherits the high reliability and excellent installation compatibility of Honda's GX Series general-purpose engines, which have been adopted by a large number of work equipment OEMs as a power source for various types of commercial-grade work equipment. Moreover, Honda enabled the installation of eGX to more types of work equipment by offering two types of the eGX, integrated and separate types, and also by ensuring the high compatibility with Honda GX Series engines. This was achieved by making the size of the engine...

Read More

Lexus Achieves Cumulative Global Sales of 2 Million Electrified Vehicles

TOKYO, May 18, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Lexus announced today that the luxury brand eclipsed the milestone of 2 million global sales of electrified vehicles at the end of April 2021.LF-Z ElectrifiedSince the launch of the RX400h in 2005, Lexus has been a pioneer of electrification in the luxury market, and the models have continued to evolve on the mission of balancing excellent driving performance with environmental sensitivity. Lexus has continued to expand its lineup of electrified vehicles to provide a wide range of options tailored to meet the needs of our customers and society. Based on a philosophy of "right time, right product, right place", Lexus hopes to further develop its electrified product portfolio to best respond to a varied range of energy sources and infrastructure environments encountered around the world.As a result, Lexus now sells nine models of electrified vehicles, including HEVs and BEVs, in approximately 90 countries and regions around the world. In 2020, 33% of the Lexus models sold globally were of the electrified variety. Since 2005, Lexus electrified vehicles have contributed to a cumulative reduction in CO2 emissions of approximately ...

Read More

Toyota announces its new BEV series, Toyota bZ, in establishment of a full line-up of electrified vehicles

Toyota City, Japan, Apr 19, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced Toyota bZ, its newly established series of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), in establishment of a full line-up of electrified vehicles, on April 19. At Auto Shanghai, a motor show held in Shanghai, China, Toyota unveiled a concept version of the Toyota bZ4X, which will be the first model in the bZ series.1. Contribution to SDGs based on the concept of "home planet"A challenge on a global scale: achieving carbon neutrality by 2050In 2018, Toyota announced its intention to transform from an automotive company into a mobility company. Under the common understanding that everyone lives on the same planet, Toyota takes action from the perspective of "home planet," above and beyond the concepts "hometown" and "home country" that the automotive industry has long continued its business in. The current working generation is responsible for bequeathing this beautiful home to the next generation, as a place where people can live with peace of mind. Under this perspective, Toyota has the "human-centered" philosophy that technology should contribute to people's happiness and health...

Read More

Lexus Accelerates Its Electrified Future with LF-Z Electrified Concept Debut

Toyota City, Japan, Mar 31, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Lexus announced initiatives for the transformation of the Lexus brand through its "Lexus Concept Reveal Show".LF-Z ElectrifiedWith an unyielding spirit of innovation and support from buyers around the world, Lexus has continued to evolve as a luxury lifestyle brand. Lexus has delivered amazing product and brand experiences with new technologies and value since 1989. Now, the automotive industry has entered a period of once-in-a-century transformation. In addition to the growing social mission of carbon neutrality and compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, customers' lifestyles and values are changing and diversifying at a speed previously beyond imagination. The social environment, mobility needs, and customer lifestyle demands have evolved as part of the evolving luxury landscape. Throughout it all, Lexus continues to innovate for the benefit of society at large, as well as for our customers. Lexus will continue to respond swiftly and with careful consideration to the changing times and needs of our customers, and will strive to transform itself into a brand that exceeds ...