Toyota’s Strategy for All-Electric Vehicles: What to Expect in the Future
Toyota Motor Corp, known for its cautious approach, recently made some bold statements about its strategy for all-electric vehicles (EVs). Despite offering only the bZ4X as its singular EV in North America, Toyota is suggesting that subsequent models will have driving ranges that the bZ4X would envy. The single-motor version of the bZ4X is theoretically capable of 250 miles between recharges, while the all-wheel drive version is lucky to surpass 200 miles under idyllic conditions. However, Toyota recently published a video where BEV Factory President Takero Kato stated that the company was currently developing technologies that would yield EVs capable of doing over 600 miles before needing a break.
Toyota’s Plan for EVs
Toyota’s overarching plan for EVs involves tapping artificial intelligence to help design more streamlined shapes offering improved aerodynamics and better efficiency. When paired with next-generation lithium-ion batteries, the brand believes it should be able to offer competitive ranges. But the firm has also been talking about developing solid-state batteries for years. Once they arrive, it’s possible that we’ll see ranges more than double what’s normal today and significantly reduced charging times.
Kato suggested that the brand’s upcoming batteries would be capable of ranges around 1,000 km (or about 620 miles) on a single charge. However, the aspect that’ll undoubtedly be making the brand the most money is the widespread implementation of over-the-air (OTA) updates. This is the feature the industry most wants to implement, as it’s broadly seen as a way to normalize subscription-based services.
In exchange for new revenue streams, automakers plan on offering loads of customization and partnered programs allowing other brands to market additional features to vehicle owners. But some are already leveraging OTA updates to lock existing hardware (already equipped to the vehicle) behind paywalls. The scheme runs the risk of being exceedingly greedy and may find the public has little tolerance for being bled to death during an era of economic distress.
Toyota’s Modular EV Designs
The automaker is also considering how to streamline production using modular EV designs. This is another item that’s becoming relatively common across the industry. One of the major benefits of battery-powered vehicles is that final assembly is comparatively simple (requiring fewer employees), and the brand says it plans to have its next batch of EVs be manufactured using three major components.
Front and rear vehicle sections will house electric motors and sandwich structurally relevant battery packs that can be swapped out easily as the technology advances. Toyota said it would use “giga casting,” which is likely akin to Tesla’s “Giga Press,” which allows for exceptionally large die-cast aluminum pieces. Kato said the company expects the process to significantly reduce costs for vehicle development and plant investment over time.
Toyota’s Electrification Plan
The other component of Toyota’s electrification plan involves the implementation of widespread factory automation, with Kato briefly discussing the matter as if it’s the same as self-driving technology. Everything else was going to come down to collaborative partnerships and how labor would be organized (often in tandem with artificial intelligence) to produce the maximum amount of synergy.
Toyota is anticipating 1.5 million annual BEV sales starting in 2026. By 2030, that target is expected to jump to 1.7 million units. The company also recently announced plans to invest almost $50 million to establish a battery lab at its North American R&D facility located in Michigan.
What to Expect in the Future
While a lot of the above is not unique, since most legacy manufacturers are vying to accomplish something similar, seeing Toyota enter the fray does suggest that battery electric vehicles are here to stay. Regulatory efforts are certainly driving the issue to a point the industry cannot ignore. But automakers, even the holdouts, are making sweeping plans to ensure their all-electric divisions are taken seriously.
That said, self-driving has fallen short of expectations, and artificial intelligence seems like the new buzzword for all industries. Take everything any manufacturer says with a grain of salt until you’ve seen the finished product.
Conclusion
Toyota’s strategy for all-electric vehicles is ambitious, with the brand aiming to develop EVs that can travel over 600 miles before needing a break. The company’s plan involves tapping artificial intelligence to help design more streamlined shapes offering improved aerodynamics and better efficiency. Toyota is also considering how to streamline production using modular EV designs, which will significantly reduce costs for vehicle development and plant investment over time. While Toyota’s plans are not unique, they do suggest that battery electric vehicles are here to stay. However, it’s important to take everything any manufacturer says with a grain of salt until you’ve seen the finished product.
