Toyota accelerates carbon-neutral plans

Global President Akio Toyoda introduces 16 BEVs at Tokyo event
Investment of 8 trillion yen ($98 billion) in electrified vehicles and technologies
Worldwide BEV sales target lifted to 3.5 million a year by 2030 (from 2.0 million)

We're excited to let you know that Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has introduced 16 battery-electric vehicles and announced investments totalling 8.0 trillion yen (almost $100 billion AUD), in carbon-reducing and carbon-neutral vehicles and technologies between now and 2030.

The 16 new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) shown at the announcement are among 30 new BEVs TMC plans to roll out by 2030, resulting in a comprehensive line-up of electric passenger-cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles.

During an event at Toyota's Megaweb showcase in Tokyo, TMC President Akio Toyoda announced the group's new BEV sales target of 3.5 million a year by 2030 - which is an increase of 75 per cent on the previous annual sales projection of 2.0 million BEVs, issued in May this year.

Half of the investment funds will be devoted to research & development and capital expenditure for BEVs, while the other half will be dedicated to hybrid-electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid-electric (PHEV) and fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV).

The total includes 2.0 trillion yen (almost $25 billion AUD) to accelerate the development of more-advanced, high-quality, and affordable batteries, an amount that is one-third higher than the 1.5 trillion yen announced as recently as September.

Mr Toyoda said Toyota has more than 30 years of experience in power efficiency - refining the control of batteries, electric motors and the amount of energy a vehicle needs to run.

"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," he said.

"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."

Energy plays a critical role in achieving carbon neutrality and, at this stage, the energy situation varies greatly from region to region.

"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."

The 16 vehicles displayed today were: five Toyota "bZ" (beyond Zero) vehicles, seven "lifestyle" models including commercial vehicles, and four Lexus models.

The five vehicles in the Toyota "bZ" (beyond Zero) series were:

• bZ4X - global launch in 2022 with Australian timing to be confirmed.
• Mid-size SUV - with styling that represents "a new era for BEVs".
• Small SUV - compact size intended for Europe and Japan.
• Mid-size sedan - meeting customer expectations for a first car.
• Large SUV - with available third-row seats.

Welcoming the comprehensive global commitment to BEVs and related technologies, Toyota Australia President and CEO Matthew Callachor reiterated Mr Toyoda's comments about the importance of having a diverse approach to electrification, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions.

"We are absolutely committed to providing our customers with a range of technologies that will help them on their journey to zero emissions based on their individual circumstances, ensuring we leave no-one behind," Mr Callachor said.

"Importantly, Toyota is not limited to a single technical solution because Australians have vastly different motoring needs, with locations from inner cities to suburbs, regional and rural areas and outback Australia.

"Australians are already buying Toyota hybrid electric vehicles in record numbers, which is significantly reducing the amount of carbon emissions. This demonstrates their support for a cleaner, more sustainable future and affordable, practical options.

"We have also embraced fuel-cell electric vehicles with the second-generation Mirai, supported by the new Toyota Hydrogen Centre in Melbourne, and we have announced plans to introduce our first battery EV in Australia, the bZ4X SUV.

"All of this adds to our excitement and anticipation around the latest investment Toyota is making in BEVs and our ongoing commitment to sustainable motoring solutions."