Toyota outlines eco-car plans, battery research progress

Toyota Plug-In Hybrid - PHV

At an event in Tokyo, Japan, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) outlined its plans for “eco-car” development and launches as well as progress in its research into next-generation secondary-batteries—both part of environmental technology efforts aimed at limiting oil consumption and reducing carbon dioxide emissions through the use of electricity and other alternative energies.

Hybrid Vehicles. TMC plans to introduce 11 models by the end of 2012, consisting of all-new models and redesigned models. Of the planned new models, one is a compact with fuel efficiency in excess of 40 km/L (94 mpg US, 2.5 L/100km) under the 10-15 Japanese test cycle.

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles. By early 2012, TMC plans to begin sales of a “Prius”-based PHV, mainly in Japan, the United States and Europe. Sales are targeted at more than 50,000 units annually, and the price for Japan is expected to be in the ¥3 million range (US$36,000).

Electric Vehicles. In 2012, in addition to the US market, an iQ-based EV will also be introduced in Japan and Europe. Launch preparations call for road trials in Japan, US and Europe starting in 2011. Launch in China is also being considered, with road trials planned for 2011.

Fuel Cell Vehicles. TMC is continuing development of a sedan-type fuel-cell hybrid vehicle (FCHV), with sales aimed to start in around 2015 in Japan, theUS and Europe—markets in which hydrogen supply infrastructure is expected to develop. Although currently a price under ¥10 million (US$120,000) seems attainable, TMC aims to further reduce costs to bring the vehicle to market at a more-affordable price.

Next-generation Secondary Batteries. TMC is researching development of next-generation secondary batteries with performance that greatly exceeds that of lithium-ion batteries. Such research is aimed to help bring about the revolutionary advances in battery performance that will be necessary for the broad adoption of electric-motor-propelled eco-cars.

• Solid-state batteries: TMC has successfully reduced what is known as particle resistance and has made progress toward creating full solid-state batteries in a promising compact package.
• Metal-air batteries: TMC has determined the reaction mechanism of lithium-air batteries and has clarified its research policy regarding the batteries as rechargeable secondary batteries.

In January 2010, TMC established a division charged with studying production of next-generation batteries. The division, with a staff of approximately 100 researchers, is accelerating its research.