Toyota outlines eco-car plans, battery research progress
18 November 2010
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.
Excellent news regarding their battery progress.
100 researchers looking at rechargeable lithium-air with Toyota resources behind them can only accelerate the introduction of the 2,000 Wh/kg rechargeable battery.
Posted by: clett | 18 November 2010 at 03:40 AM
Yes, this is great news.
If Toyota alone puts such a huge team on battery research, we can expect that other players will also step up their research heavily.
I hope auto makers and other battery-using industries combine their efforts and come up with powerful batteries soon.
We badly need those.
Posted by: soltesza | 18 November 2010 at 12:04 PM
Batteries are an example of cooperation versus competitive advantage. Early on people may cooperate to make progress rapidly. Considering the progress they have made in the last 10 years that is all for the good.
At some stage competition may want competitive advantage over a commodity industry. You want many suppliers providing the same quality product, but if you differentiate your product you can gain an advantage. This says that at some point, when the number of EVs increases, each large car maker may want in house battery making with an edge.
Posted by: SJC | 18 November 2010 at 12:53 PM