Toyota Industries develops solar charging station for PHVs, EVs

Toyota Industries Corp developed a solar charging station for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs) and electric vehicles (EVs).

The municipal government of Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, adopted it, planning to build 21 stations at 11 places such as the municipal office, its branch offices, train stations, etc. The city will start the operation of those charging stations with 20 units of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid in April 2010.

The output of the solar panel is 1.9kW, and the capacity of the storage battery is 8.4kWh. The maximum output of the power converter is 3.2kW (AC202V) in grid-connected operation and 1.5kVA (AC101V) in self-sustained operation.

The charging station has a solar photovoltaic system and a power storage system and is connected to the grid. The electricity generated from solar power is stored in the power storage system, and vehicles are charged with photovoltaic electricity and electricity from the storage system. When the stored electricity runs out, the grid electricity is used so that vehicles can be stably charged regardless of weather or time of day.

On the other hand, when there is extra electricity stored in the power storage system, it is used for the facilities in the station or sold to a utility company. When a disaster occurs, the station can provide photovoltaic electricity and stored electricity to electrical equipment that uses AC100V power.

Source: Tech-On

Toyota introduces Prius Plug-In Hybrid

Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan has today confirmed the introduction of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, a plug-in version of the third-generation Prius petrol-electric hybrid vehicle. 

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) offers greater range on electric power only, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The PHV uses lithium-ion batteries – a first for Toyota – which can be charged from an external source as well as by the car’s own hybrid drive system.

Approximately 600 units will be introduced in Japan, the United States, and Europe over the first half of 2010.  20 will come to the UK in mid 2010.

The Prius PHVs will be leased to government ministries, local governments, corporations including electric power companies, universities and research agencies, for use in a demonstration programme aimed at collecting real-world driving data and spurring the development of battery-charging infrastructure. 

In Europe, Toyota will lease approximately 200 units, 20 of which will come to the UK in mid-2010. The details of these UK leases will be the subject of a separate announcement closer to the time. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid will also be introduced in France and Portugal, with the company also considering 10 other European countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, along with countries in other regions, such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The Prius PHV can be charged using an external power source such as a household electric outlet and is the first vehicle produced by Toyota to be propelled by a lithium-ion battery.  Further, due to the battery's expanded capacity, the vehicle has an extended electric-vehicle driving range, enabling use as an electric vehicle (EV) for short distances. While for medium and long distances, after battery power depletes to a level no longer allowing EV driving mode, the vehicle functions as a conventional petrol-electric hybrid vehicle (HV). Thus, use is not constrained by remaining battery power or availability of battery-charging infrastructure.

Furthermore, PHVs, such as the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, are expected to achieve fuel efficiency superior to conventional petrol-electric HVs, reduce consumption of fossil fuels and reduce CO2 emissions and atmospheric pollution.  Verifications and rules that gauge the performance of a PHV (i.e. official fuel consumption tests) differ from region to region, but in Europe, the Prius PHV emits only 59g CO2 per km in the New European Driving Cycle*.

"The Plug-in Hybrid technology is a key driver on our road towards sustainable mobility," said Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Executive Vice-President Takeshi Uchiyamada. "Based on Toyota's full hybrid powertrain, PHV represents today the most practical way of increasing the use of electricity for personal transport. Now we need to investigate market acceptance of this new technology."

Toyota believes that to meet the diversification of energy sources plug-in hybrid vehicles are a highly suitable environmentally considerate option.  Toyota is therefore actively encouraging market introduction to aid understanding and to promote the early widespread use of PHVs. Toyota will analyse feedback regarding the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, with an aim to begin sales in the tens of thousands of units to the general public in two years.

Toyota promotes the use of alternative energy sources, such as electricity, to limit the consumption of fossil fuels and to reduce CO2 emissions.  Thus, the company is accelerating the development of electricity-related technologies honed by experience gained from 12 years selling petrol-electric HVs, the market introduction of the RAV4 EV SUV and the leasing of fuel-cell HVs.

*(CO2 emissions of Prius Plug-in Hybrid are measured according to the new official international regulation for plug-in hybrid electric powertrains, as adopted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe).

VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS
Engine displacement	1,797 cc
Transmission	Electric automatic
Powertrain	Front-wheel drive
Length	4,460 mm
Width	1,745 mm
Height	1,490 mm
Wheelbase	2,700 mm
Track  - Front            - Rear	1,525 mm 1,520 mm
Weight	1,490 kg
Seating capacity	5
Minimum turning radius	5.2m
Tyre size	185/65R15

HYBRID SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
System	THS II Plug-in (with motor speed reduction device)
Engine	1.8-litre gasoline 2ZR –FXE (high-expansion ratio)
Maximum output	73 kW (99PS)/5,200rpm
Maximum torque	142 N-m (14.5 kgf-m)/4,000rpm
Motor	3JM (permanent magnet)
Maximum output	60 kW (82 PS)
Maximum torque	207N-m (21.1kgf-m)
Drive battery	Lithium-ion
Capacity	5.2 kWh
Rated voltage	345.6 V
Charging time	Approx. 180 minutes (AC100 V) Approx. 100 minutes (AC200 V)
System maximum output	100 kW (136 PS)
System voltage	Max. 650 V
EV mode maximum speed	approx. 100 km/h (62mph)

Source: Toyota

Prius Plug-in Hybrid' Lease Discussions Begin in Japan

 

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces that it has started discussions with potential users in Japan of the newly developed "Prius Plug-in Hybrid". Approximately 200 units will be leased through a leasing company to designated parties such as government ministries, local governments and energy companies that are actively promoting environmentally considerate vehicles.

The designated parties are principally participants in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's "EV & PHV Towns" program*, which aims to promote the widespread use of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs).

Details of the leasing scheme for Japan will be determined through November, with delivery scheduled for mid-December onward. The vehicles will only be leased to parties already designated by TMC.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid is based on the third-generation "Prius" and is equipped with a lithium-ion battery that can be charged using an external electric power source. The vehicle can be used as an EV for short distances, while for medium- and long-distance trips it functions as a conventional gasoline-electric hybrid, meaning use is not constrained by remaining battery power or availability of battery-charging infrastructure. Furthermore, PHVs, such as the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, are expected to achieve higher fuel efficiency than conventional hybrid vehicles, limit consumption of fossil fuels, and reduce CO2 emissions and atmospheric pollution.

TMC believes that, to meet the diversification of energy sources, PHVs are currently the most-suitable environmentally considerate vehicles for widespread use. TMC is therefore encouraging PHV market introduction and understanding toward widespread use by introducing a total of 500 units of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid globally - primarily to fleet customers. Approximately 150 units will go to the United States, and more than 150 units will go to Europe, to countries including France, the United Kingdom and Portugal.

TMC has positioned hybrid technologies as core environmentally considerate vehicle technologies and is using them in the development not only of plug-in hybrid vehicles but also electric vehicles and fuel-cell hybrid vehicles. TMC will continue its efforts in developing and putting into practical use these next-generation vehicles, which are hoped to contribute to reducing petroleum consumption, reducing CO2 emissions and responding to the diversification of energy sources.

* An intensive model program, through the collaboration of the national and local governments, regional businesses and auto manufacturers in Japan, for the introduction and promotion of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles as well as for accelerating the setting up of charging infrastructures and the development of societal awareness and preparedness. Each participating local government is to submit by around the end of this financial year a master plan that reflects the progress of its action plan.

Source: Toyota

Toyota to reveal Auris Hybrid and Prius Plug-in Hybrid concepts at IAA 2009

The Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept will take centre stage for Toyota at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor show.

The concept represents a milestone in Toyota’s strategy: introducing Toyota’s full hybrid technology to a mainstream model, and the first step in the deployment of Hybrid Synergy Drive across the company’s model range.

The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept will also make its world premiere in Frankfurt. Prius Plug-in Hybrid expands the capabilities of Toyota’s full hybrid technology, enabling pure electric operation for short-range day-to-day transportation. In early 2010, an extensive field trial in Europe will see over 150 units being leased to selected fleet customers.

Frankfurt will also stage the European Premiere of the iconic, all-new Toyota Land Cruiser, which will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Two customised iQ show cars, iQ for Sports and iQ Collection, will also be on display.

Source: Toyota GB

Toyota and EDF Energy awarded UK Government funding for innovative PHV road trial: 20 new PHVs on UK roads in 2010

Toyota and EDF Energy have been awarded UK government funding through the Technology Strategy Board’s Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator Competition to support a trial of up to 20 innovative Plug in Hybrid Vehicles (PHVs). Based on Toyota’s full hybrid technology, the PHV will come equipped with a powerful lithium-ion battery extending the vehicle’s range in electric vehicle mode allowing for zero-emissions driving. The trial will start in London in 2010 for a period up to 3 years with the intention to lease the vehicles to a mix of public bodies and private companies including the Greater London Authority group and the Government Car and Despatch Agency.

“Together with our partner EDF Energy we are delighted that our competitive tender for a PHV demonstration in the UK has secured Government endorsement and funding. We often say that the PHV reflects ‘the best of both worlds’: it enhances the benefits of Toyota’s full hybrid technology, while stepping over the constraints historically linked with electric vehicles. We’ve been testing a PHV in London since September 2008 and now we have the opportunity to demonstrate a fleet under demanding real-life conditions,” said Miguel Fonseca, Managing Director of Toyota (GB) PLC.

“Our new PHV complements the newly-launched third generation Prius as plug-in technology extends electric driving mode almost tenfold, offering an even lower carbon transport solution for those customers with that specific need,” he added.

Peter Hofman, Director of Company Shared Services & Integration at EDF Energy, said: “EDF Energy is at the heart of solutions to help combat climate change and has the expertise to help people use their energy more efficiently. That is why together with Toyota, we are delighted that our consortia has received funding and government backing for this trial. I am delighted that we will both be playing such a major role in continuing to develop this innovative technology as part of our ongoing work to make clean electric transport more accessible to everyone.”

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Toyota and EDF Energy have won funding to deliver innovative plug in electric hybrid vehicles onto the capital's streets. The Greater London Authority group will be trialling a number of these vehicles as part of our active participation in this winning bid. I want to make London the electric vehicle capital of Europe and these trials will provide us with valuable information on what is needed to ensure they can become an everyday choice.”

The trial will assess the vehicle’s performance in urban driving conditions while also gathering information about the experience of drivers and passengers. This would include an understanding of their habits and preferences when recharging the vehicle – either at home, using a standard electrical point, or at charging points at vehicle fleet depots and elsewhere. Data collected by the trial will help inform future technology and policy developments and will be shared with Cenex – the UK Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon & Fuel Cell Technologies – and the Department for Transport, who are supporting this project through their contribution to the Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Competition.

Toyota’s PHV adds an extended electric driving mode to the proven benefits of Toyota’s full hybrid technology: low CO2, exceptional fuel efficiency, seamless acceleration and quiet driving. The PHV can be driven as an electric vehicle for shorter distances or city commutes, while for long-distance journeys it operates as a full hybrid with its petrol engine serving as both a power source and battery generator when required. The battery is charged during driving, deceleration or braking, or by connecting its plug to a standard electrical point at home or at work.

Toyota will deploy over 500 new PHVs globally in Europe, Japan and the US – by 2010.

Source: Toyota GB Media Site

Toyota to lease 200 PHEVs in Japan starting at end of 2009, 500 globally; Gen3 Prius plus Li-ion pack

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will begin leasing approximately 200 plug-in versions of its third-generation Prius equipped with lithium-ion battery packs in Japan starting at the end of this year. This will be the first time a lithium-ion battery is to be employed in a Toyota vehicle for propulsion.

The leases will be to designated users such as government ministries, local governments and corporations. This brings the initial planned global deployment of early plug-ins—primarily to fleet customers—to approximately 500 units.

TMC will introduce approximately 150 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the United States, as well as more than 150 vehicles in Europe, including 100 in France. TMC is also considering introducing plug-in hybrid vehicles in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany.

In announcing the Japan lease program, Toyota said that:

TMC believes that, in response to the diversification of energy sources, plug-in hybrid vehicles are currently the most suitable environmentally considerate vehicles for widespread use.

TMC has positioned hybrid technologies as core environmentally considerate vehicle technologies and is using them in the development not only of plug-in hybrid vehicles but also electric vehicles and fuel-cell hybrid vehicles. TMC will continue its efforts to achieve sustainable mobility by developing and putting into practical use these next-generation vehicles, which are hoped to contribute to reducing petroleum consumption, reducing CO2 emissions and responding to the diversification of energy sources.

Toyota said that the plug-ins will operate as electric vehicles when used for “short distances” and operate as conventional hybrids when used for medium to long-distance trips.

Toyota has been testing an earlier plug-in prototype featuring a large NiMH pack rather than the proposed Li-ion pack, with an electric range of approximately 13 km (8 miles) under the Japan 10-15 cycle.

The Japan lease program is in collaboration with local governments selected under the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s EV & PHV Towns program, which aims to promote the widespread use of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The program features an intensive program for the introduction and promotion of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles as well as accelerating the setting up of charging infrastructures and the development of societal awareness and preparedness through the collaboration of the national and local governments, regional businesses and auto manufacturers in Japan.

Action plans are expected to be developed this summer by each participating local government, and a master action plan based on the results of each program is expected to be developed at the end of this fiscal year.

Source: Green Car Congress

Toyota questions price, recharge time and battery durability of plug-in hybrids

Toyota Motor Corp., which recently posted its first financial loss in decades, said U.S. consumer demand for plug-in hybrids may be limited by the vehicles' price, recharge time and battery durability - nevermind their popularity with President Obama.

Toyota estimates sales of hybrids that can be recharged at household outlets may be 50,000 vehicles a year at most and could be as few as 3,500, Bill Reinert, the automaker's U.S. national manager for advanced technology, told a National Academy of Sciences panel in Washington, D.C., Monday.

Sales of Toyota's Prius - the best-selling gasoline-electric hybrid on the road, and a vehicle Reinert helped design - were almost 159,000 last year.

A market for the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles "will emerge, but their success depends on advantages over existing hybrids," Reinert said. "There is a great deal of variation on how current PHEVs perform in real-world conditions."

Interest in plug-ins surged after gasoline prices reached record highs last year and Obama campaigned on a goal of getting 1 million such vehicles on U.S. roads by 2015. The Energy Department has said it plans to begin awarding a portion of $25 billion in low-cost federal loans to companies that build plug-ins and other fuel-efficient vehicles at U.S. factories.

Toyota hasn't announced plans to sell plug-in hybrids to consumers. Honda Motor Co. said last month it's studying plug-ins, and as yet has no plan for consumer sales.

The companies estimate lithium-ion batteries needed for plug-ins may add at least $5,000 to $10,000 to the vehicle price.

Toyota also cited recent studies by Duke University and Carnegie Mellon University showing plug-ins may provide only limited reduction of greenhouse gases compared with current hybrids such as the Prius that don't need to be plugged in.

General Motors Corp., which is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, has committed about $1 billion to
develop the rechargeable Chevrolet Volt hybrid. The Detroit automaker is banking on it to leapfrog the Prius despite the fact that it'll likely retail for $15,000 over the price of a Prius when it goes on sale late next year.

Source: Green Car Advisor

Toyota to lease over 150 plug-in hybrid vehicles across Europe

Toyota will lease over 150 units of its next generation Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) to selected fleet customers across Europe as part of a three-year programme. Alongside France, Toyota is in discussion with three European countries, including the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.

The new PHV comes equipped with a powerful lithium-ion battery, extending the vehicle’s range in electric vehicle mode for a silent, zero emissions drive. The first wave of new PHVs will be deployed to Strasbourg, France, in late 2009, with other markets following suit by mid-2010.

Tadashi Arashima, President and Chief Executive of Toyota Motor Europe, said, “The PHV is a natural extension of our full hybrid technology, which is designed to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels for transport. The pan-European expansion of our limited lease programme will enable us to scrutinise PHV performance in a variety of markets with different infrastructure constraints, driving conditions and customer expectations. It represents a critical next step towards broader commercialisation of PHVs in the medium-term.”

Toyota’s PHV overcomes the obstacles historically associated with electric vehicles (e.g. high battery costs and limited cruising range) by building on the existing benefits of Toyota’s full hybrid technology, as used in Prius. A PHV can be driven as an electric vehicle for shorter journeys, while for high-speed, long-distance commutes it operates like a full hybrid, with its petrol engine serving as both a power source and battery generator.

A PHV can be charged during driving like a regular hybrid (through driving, deceleration or braking) or by attaching its plug to a standard electrical outlet either at home or at work. Compared to Toyota’s full hybrid Prius, a PHV is able to run more often in its petrol-free, electric-only mode, meaning lower running costs and less CO2, especially when renewable energy is used.

In partnership with EDF, Toyota has been road-testing its current generation PHV (equipped with a Nickel Metal Hydride battery) in Europe since 2007. Later this year, approximately 100 new generation PHVs will be leased to selected fleet customers and public bodies in Strasbourg, France, for a period of three years.

Part of the Strasbourg-based fleet will come equipped with an innovative charging system that ensures safe charging, communication between the plug and the vehicle, identification of the vehicle and automatic invoicing of electricity. A large number of charging points will also be established in users’ homes, the offices of business partners, in public parking lots and on public roads.

Toyota is preparing to deploy a total of over 500 new generation PHVs in Europe, Japan and the US by 2010.

Source: Toyota GB Media Website

EDF and Toyota announce large-scale demonstration of plug-in hybrid vehicles in Strasbourg, France (トヨタ，仏EDFと仏ストラスブール市でプラグインハイブリッド車の大規模試験)

EDF and Toyota today announced a major step forward in their joint road-trials in France, involving Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHVs) and an innovative charging infrastructure. About one hundred units of a next generation PHV equipped with lithium-ion batteries will be leased to selected companies and partners in the Strasbourg area starting from the end of 2009, for a duration of three years. This project has received financial support via the Research Fund managed by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency ADEME, following a call for projects on low-emitting vehicles.

This programme is part of a global Toyota project that will also be deployed in Japan and the US from the end of 2009. Toyota's main objective is to investigate further the technology and performance of Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles. EDF's objective is to evaluate different operational options for the charging infrastructure. The joint goal is to broaden consumers' understanding and acceptance, in preparation for broad commercialisation in the future.

In the context of the EDF-Toyota partnership, European road trials of Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles started in France in the autumn of 2007 and were expanded to the UK last year.

The vehicles will use an innovative charging system which is able to ensure safe charging, communication between the plug and the vehicle, identification of the vehicle and invoicing of energy. For this demonstration, EDF and its subsidiary Electricité de Strasbourg (ES) will participate in a technical and financial partnership with all stakeholders, which will set up several hundred charging points at users' homes, at the facilities of partners, in public parking lots and on public roads.

A Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle uses Toyota’s hybrid technology but with the added benefit that its battery can be recharged using a standard electrical plug. Toyota's PHV is “the best of both worlds”: for short distances, it can be driven as an electric vehicle, resulting in a silent, zero CO2 emissions drive. For longer distances, the PHV works as a conventional hybrid vehicle, providing all the benefits of hybrid technology, including low emissions and fuel consumption, and excellent driving performance. Toyota expects the PHV to bring unsurpassed fuel efficiency and therefore record low emissions – as compared to any other mass-market vehicle on roads today.

Source: Newspress

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Text in Japanese

　トヨタ自動車とフランス電力公社（Electricite de France：EDF）は2009年3月18日、充電インフラストラクチャーを活用したプラグインハイブリッド車（PHV）の公道実証試験をフランスのストラスブール市において共同で開始すると発表した。

　トヨタの目的はPHV技術や車両の性能に関する研究開発、EDFの目的は充電インフラの多様な使い方の検証を通じて、PHVの理解促進と将来の普及に備えること。具体的には、トヨタが、ストラスブール市のフリートユーザーに対し、2009年末から3年間にわたって、約100台のPHVをリースする。 EDFは本プロジェクトに参画している企業の協力を得て、ユーザーの自宅や企業の施設、公共駐車場、公道沿いなどに、数百基の充電スタンドを設置する。

　なお、本プロジェクトは、フランス環境エネルギー管理庁（French Environment and Energy Management Agency：ADEME）が募集した低排出車に関するプロジェクトの一つとして、同庁管轄の研究基金から助成金を受けている。

　トヨタは、2007年より、日米欧でニッケル水素電池を搭載したPHVの公道実証試験中。欧州では、EDFと共同で、2007年秋からパリで、 2008年9月からロンドンで、公道実証試験をしている。2009年末からはフリートユーザー向けに、新型「プリウス」をベースにLiイオン2次電池を搭載したPHVをグローバルで約500台リースする予定であり、本プロジェクトはその一環。

ソース: Tech-On
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Plug-In Toyota Prius due in 2010

A ‘plug-in’ version of the third-generation Toyota Prius powered by lithium ion batteries will be ready for market early in 2010, averaging 65 mpg in combined gasoline and electric-mod testing (earlier post).

In an exclusive interview for Autocar, Toyota’s Executive Vice President responsible for research and development, Masatami Takimoto, confirmed that the company’s long-standing scepticism towards lithium ion battery technology has now been put to rest.

“We have made much development progress with lithium ion batteries over the last six months,” said Takimoto. “We are now convinced that they can be used in our future plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles, although our cheaper hybrid models will continue to use nickel metal hydride batteries.”

The first of Toyota’s lithium ion-powered cars will be a ‘plug-in’ version of the Prius, which will be available in Japan later this year, and will come to the UK in very limited numbers at first in early 2010.

The car’s zero-emissions electric-only range – the distance it will travel on battery power alone after a full mains charge – is not yet set in stone, but it’s expected to be no more than 20 miles. That being the case, however, it will need a much smaller lithium ion battery pack than the GM Volt, and so will be cheaper; expect a sub-£30k price tag.

Extended electric-only running won’t be the only thing going for the ‘plug-in’ Prius, however. Toyota has been trialing the lithium ion battery technology in collaboration with EDF Energy, in development cars running around Paris. It has found them to return between 60 and 80 per cent better fuel economy than the nickel metal hydride version once the combustion engine comes into play, depending on usage.

Takimoto also confirmed Toyota’s plans for a lithium-ion battery only ‘EV’ city car – “not an iQ, but something similar in size,” – which will arrive in 2012.

Source: Autocar

Plug-in Toyota Prius coming in 2010, prototype averaging 65 mpg

The upcoming Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid has been averaging 65 mpg in combined gasoline and electric-mod testing according to Bill Reinert, Toyota Motor Sales USA’s national alternative-fuel vehicle manager.

“That is real-world driving,” Reinert told Automotive News. “I ask my guys to drive them as you drive your normal Prius.”

The 2010 Toyota Prius, with its parallel hybrid and nickel-metal hydride batteries, averages an estimated 50 mpg. Sales of the plug-in hybrid Prius will begin sometimes after 2010.

At the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, Toyota said it will globally lease 500 Prius PHVs powered by lithium-ion batteries. 150 of the plug-in Prius models will come to the U.S. The lithium-ion battery packs are mated to a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine.

Source: eGMCarTech

Toyota maintains pace, broadens scope of advanced environmental technologies

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it will display the Toyota FT-EV concept on opening Media Day at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), confirming its plan to launch an urban commuter battery-electric vehicle (BEV) by 2012. This announcement, coupled with its compressed natural gas powered Camry Hybrid concept display at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, signal Toyota’s intention to broaden the scope of its advanced alternative-fuel vehicle development.

“Now, more than ever, while we are so focused on the pressing issues of the moment, we cannot lose sight of our future,” said Irv Miller, TMS Group Vice President, Environmental and Public Affairs. “Nowhere is this more important than with our industry’s duty and commitment to provide true sustainable mobility with vehicles that significantly reduce fuel consumption, our carbon footprint and overall greenhouse gases.”

The FT-EV concept shares its platform with the revolutionary-new iQ urban commuter vehicle. Already a huge hit in Japan, the iQ is lightweight and seats four passengers in comfort and security, while delivering exceptional mileage, sporty performance, unique refinements and a fun, youthful image.

Toyota’s FT-EV concept imagines an urban dweller, driving up to 50 miles between home, work and other forms of public transportation, such as high-speed rail. Although, for now, the FT-EV remains a pure concept, it represents a natural pairing of product strategies.

“Last summer’s four-dollar-a-gallon gasoline was no anomaly. It was a brief glimpse of our future,” said Miller. “We must address the inevitability of peak oil by developing vehicles powered by alternatives to liquid-oil fuel, as well as new concepts, like the iQ, that are lighter in weight and smaller in size. This kind of vehicle, electrified or not, is where our industry must focus its creativity.”

Although BEVs and new smaller vehicles like the iQ will be a key component of Toyota’s sustainable mobility strategy, the conventional gas-electric hybrid, like the all new third-generation Prius, is considered Toyota’s long-term core powertrain technology.

Last year, Toyota announced that it planned to sell one million gas-electric hybrids per year sometime during the early 2010s. To accomplish this, Toyota will launch as many as 10 new hybrid models by the early 2010s, in various global markets. The new third-generation Toyota Prius and all new Lexus HS250h, both debuting in Detroit, are the first two examples of that effort.

Also, last year, Toyota announced that it would roll-out a large number of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs) to global lease-fleet customers in 2010. That schedule has been moved up.

Beginning in late 2009, Toyota will start global delivery of 500 Prius PHVs powered by lithium-ion batteries. Of these initial vehicles, 150 will be placed with U.S. lease-fleet customers.

The first-generation lithium-ion batteries powering these PHVs will be built on an assembly line at Toyota’s PEVE (Panasonic EV Energy Company, LTD) battery plant, a joint-venture production facility in which Toyota owns 60 percent equity. During its development, the new Prius was designed and engineered to package either the lithium-ion battery pack with plug-in capability, or the nickel-metal hydride battery for the conventional gas-electric system.

The 500 PHVs arriving globally in late 2009 will be used for market and engineering analysis. Lease–fleet customers will monitor the performance and durability of the first-generation lithium-ion battery, while offering real world feedback on how future customers might respond to the plug-in process.

“Future customers will have high expectations for these emerging technologies. This Prius PHV fleet program is a key first step in confirming how and when we might bring large numbers of plug-in hybrids to global markets,” said Miller.

Source: Toyota USA Newsroom