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Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Toyota’s Investment in WeaveGrid Signals Broadened Commitment to Battery and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Customer Experience


Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today shared further details regarding its commitment to develop a seamless home charging experience as the company prepares to ramp up for its next-generation electrified vehicles. With investment from Toyota’s growth fund Woven Capital, TMNA is collaborating with WeaveGrid to ensure that as more Toyota battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) are introduced, these vehicles will be able to smoothly integrate with the electric grid, helping facilitate an efficient, equitable and resilient energy transition.

“Toyota is committed to making investments in technologies and solutions to provide greater insights for our customers and electric utility partners into how vehicles will interface with their homes and the electric grid,” said Christopher Yang, group vice president, Toyota EV Charging Solutions. “With more Toyota BEV and PHEV customers than ever before, we are looking to ensure that they will be met with a high-quality experience that enriches their ownership journey.”

Toyota’s investment strategy focuses on developing and providing cutting-edge solutions that can maximize the benefits of load flexibility with electric vehicles on the grid, while at the same time exploring potential financial advantages for customers.

By 2030, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that there could be more than 10 times the number of BEV and PHEV vehicles on the road in the U.S., contributing to a dramatic increase in electricity consumption.

Anticipating the rapid expansion that will be needed to meet demand from EVs and other new loads, Toyota is collaborating with WeaveGrid and its partner utilities to launch programs and support a grid that is resilient and more affordable so that customers can charge their vehicles reliably and at a potentially reduced cost. The collaboration is also examining how vehicle batteries can serve dual purposes for vehicle propulsion and home energy needs in ways that benefit drivers of BEVs, PHEVs and the grid.

WeaveGrid takes a systems-oriented approach under the philosophy that the energy and transportation sectors will need to be further integrated and transformed to help utilities absorb the coming wave of vehicle electrification from automakers like Toyota.

“As Toyota aims to expand the number of BEV and PHEV vehicles we offer, our goal remains to ensure the ownership experience is as seamless and customer-friendly as it has been with the vehicles we’ve built our reputation on in the U.S. over the last 67 years,” Yang said. “Investing in our infrastructure with WeaveGrid has the potential to provide customers and power utilities with mutual benefits that align with our mission to contribute to the goal of a carbon-neutral society.”

Thursday, December 26, 2024

2025 Toyota bZ4X BEV Electrifies with Lower Price and New Nightshade Edition

 


  • Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) reduction for 2025 bZ4X: $6,000 lower MSRP for XLE grade and $5,380 lower MSRP for Limited grade
  • bZ4X adds a bold Nightshade edition to the lineup with standard All Wheel Drive, available in single- or two-tone exterior colors
  • Standard bZ4X Nightshade features include black 20-inch wheels, black exterior accents, and red stitching on seats and steering wheel
  • Limited grade adds standard Traffic Jam Assist capability, Lane Change Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Alert for 2025
  • Dual voltage charging cable standard on all grades for Level One and Level Two charging
  • One year of complimentary charging through EVgo’s nationwide charging network included with new lease or purchase

For drivers thinking about going all electric, the Toyota bZ4X just made the choice even easier. Leading the charge is a lower starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)*, with a reduction of up-to $6,000. The 2025 bZ4X also adds bold style to its lineup with a new Nightshade edition, making it the first-ever Toyota Nightshade BEV. It also adds more standard driver assistance technology on the Limited grade including Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Front Cross Traffic Alert.

With a smooth, quiet ride, and an EPA estimated range rating of up to 252 miles on FWD models, the bZ4X is a great value for drivers that want a BEV from a trusted brand. For 2025, that value starts at an MSRP of $37,070 on the XLE FWD grade, a reduction of nearly 14-percent. The XLE AWD grade’s MSRP starts at $39,150. The feature packed Limited grades also see an MSRP reduction, with models starting at $41,800 (FWD), a price reduction of $5,380. The 2025 bZ4X is expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships nationwide in early 2025.

The bZ4X Nightshade amps up the futuristic style with available two-tone Wind Chill Pearl or Heavy Metal and black roof color combos. Drivers can also go electric stealth with an all-black exterior. Built on the XLE grade, the bZ4X Nightshade rides on black-finished 20-inch multi spoke alloy wheels and features grade-unique exterior details like black badges, black door handles, and a black split rear spoiler. On the inside its SofTex® and fabric-trimmed seats and leather-trimmed steering wheel sport red stitching for amped up style. Click here to see the bold series of Toyota Nightshade models.

In keeping with its high-tech mantra, the bZ4X Limited grade receives three additional driver assistance features for 2025 – Traffic Jam Assist** (TJA) capability, Lane Change Assist, and Front Cross-Traffic Alert (FCTA). With an active Drive Connect** trial or subscription, Traffic Jam Assist helps navigate the ebb and flow of stop-and-go traffic by providing hands-free control of the vehicle steering, braking and acceleration at speeds under 25 MPH on controlled access freeways, when Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) is on. Lane Change Assist is a function that is also linked to LTA and is designed to provide assistance in performing lane changes through steering wheel operations. Front Cross-Traffic Alert is designed to detect the approach of crossing vehicles when the bZ4X enters an intersection at a low speed and notifies the driver via an audible alert and a visual alert on both the Multi-Information Display (MID) and the Head-Up Display (HUD).

*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes Dealer Processing and Handling fee (DPH), click here to view the latest information.

**4G Network dependent. Subscription required after trial period.


Charged Up

The bZ4X is a rightsized BEV that has an EPA-estimated range rating of 252 miles on the XLE FWD model and 228 miles on the XLE AWD equipped models. The Limited grade has an EPA-estimated range rating of up to 236 miles on the FWD model; the Limited and Nightshade AWD models have aEPA-estimated range of up to 222 miles. 

The bZ4X is also designed to give drivers an approximation of its charge status while also optimizing battery conditions while charging. Via its fully digital Multi-Information Display (MID), the bZ4X displays State of Charge percentage, the estimated vehicle range, and the estimated time to complete charging. The bZ4X also has a battery thermal management system, which includes a water-to-water heat exchanger and heating adjustment valve to increase battery temperature, to optimize DC charging speeds in cold weather. The following systems and equipment are designed to reduce energy consumption, especially power used for heating in cold climates: 

  • Heat pump system for both heating and air-conditioning
  • Available Front-seat and steering wheel heaters
  • Available Front-seat radiant foot-and-leg heater

When it comes to powering up the bZ4X, there are plenty of options for both home and public charging. All bZ4X models come with a dual voltage charging cable, capable of Level One and Level Two AC charging. It is equipped with a J1772/CCS1 (Combined Charging System) connector, which allows for Level Three DC fast charging. Under ideal conditions, with a 240V Level Two charging source, the bZ4X can charge from low battery light to full in about 9.5 hours, which can provide approximately 20 miles of range per hour of charge 

For added convenience, customers who purchase or lease a new 2025 Toyota bZ4X receive one year of complimentary charging at EVgo public charging stations nationwide. Customers can use the Toyota App on their mobile device to sign up for this offer, locate EVgo stations and initiate complimentary charging for their new bZ4X.

As an additional Level Two home charging option, new bZ4X owners can also include a home charging system into the cost of their new vehicle purchase or lease, as they will have the option to purchase a ChargePoint® Home Flex Level Two charger from participating Toyota dealerships or directly from ChargePoint online. The ChargePoint Home Flex charger is ENERGY STAR® certified and Wi-Fi enabled, can be installed indoors or out, and comes with a 23-foot charging cable to support different parking configurations. Customers can also use Qmerit as a resource to locate a certified EV charger installer.  

Unique Design with a Familiar SUV-Feel
The 2025 Toyota bZ4X is available in XLE, Limited, and Nightshade grades. The XLE and Limited models come in a choice of Front- or All-Wheel Drive, with the Nightshade grade coming in AWD only. The bZ4X’s smartly styled SUV package has seating for up to five, ample rear cargo space, and available SofTex®-trimmed seating.

The bZ4X engineering team looked to challenge conventions with its design. It balances unique, futuristic style while offering a familiar SUV package. Based on the design theme “hi-tech and emotional,” bZ4X is fit for a multifaceted lifestyle – offering originality that stands out in an urban cityscape coupled with available AWD for all-weather capability and confident on-road driving dynamics.

In terms of size, the bZ4X sits squarely in the middle of the small SUV segment. It is 3.7 inches longer than the RAV4, at 184.6 inches, with a 6.3-inch longer wheelbase at 112.2 inches. It is 2.0 inches lower than RAV4 at 65.0 inches high, and 0.2 inches wider, at 73.2 inches. bZ4X offers a comfortable 42.1 inches of legroom for the front seat and 35.3 inches for passengers in the rear seat. Cargo volume is 27.7 cubic feet behind the second row.

The 2025 bZ4X offers a variety of exterior color options, including single and two-tone paint treatments. Black is a standard color and Heavy Metal, Supersonic Red, Elemental Silver Metallic, and Wind Chill Pearl are all extra-cost colors. On the Nightshade grade, standard colors include Black, Heavy Metal with a black roof, or Wind Chill Pearl with a black roof. The Limited grade offers all standard colors plus Supersonic Red, Heavy Metal, or Wind Chill Pearl with black roof two-tone combinations 



The bZ4X cockpit embodies a new generation of mobility with a design that helps the driver keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. Thanks to the BEV-dedicated platform, the engineering team achieved an extra wide interior cabin that results in a spacious, quiet and relaxing space for driver and passengers alike. The cabin allows for ample legroom for both front and rear seats as well as copious side-to-side space in the rear – further contributing to a feeling of home-like comfort.

With the roominess one would expect from an SUV, the placement of surrounding elements is also engineered with purpose. Acoustic glass and wind-noise reduction features provide a quiet refuge in the cabin from the world outside. The standard fixed panoramic roof provides a feeling of openness to bring the outside environment into the vehicle when needed, and a power sunshade to keep it out when not needed. Premium details continue throughout too, like piano-black elements on the center console and soft-touch material on the dash.

The hub of the cockpit is positioned around a shared center console that functions like a table with storage for a smartphone with available wireless charging coupled with a transparent lid. The accessible USB ports (A and C) offer power and connection points in convenient locations. The door handles are a specialized shape designed to be more ergonomic, making them easier to grip.

Electrified Powertrain, Electrifying Performance
The bZ4X offers the capable performance you’d expect from an SUV coupled with the smooth, fun driving performance inherent in an all-electric vehicle. Due largely in part to the maximum torque available at the first RPM. No torque ramp-up, no power bands – just throw-you-back-in-your-seat responsiveness.

Offered in both Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD), the all-electric bZ4X produces 201HP for FWD models and 214HP for AWD models. Thanks to the instantaneous torque of all-electric drivetrain, the bZ4X has an estimated 0-60 acceleration time of 7.1 seconds for FWD and 6.5 seconds for AWD.

The bZ4X’s impressive driving performance is due in part to the BEV-dedicated e-TNGA platform. Through this architecture, bZ4X achieves a low center of gravity and greater rigidity thanks to the high-capacity Lithium-Ion battery pack placed flat under the floor. The engineering team aimed to achieve the utility typically offered in small SUVs, along with smooth and powerful driving performance one would expect from an electric vehicle.

The bZ4X’s handling prowess is also due in part to the battery cross-framing structure, which adds to overall vehicle rigidity. The use of a lightweight body structure with sections of high tensile steel reinforced frame components around the battery pack coupled with a dynamic suspension contribute to the agile responsiveness of bZ4X. An intelligent throttle feature provides a smoother feel when accelerating and decelerating and Vehicle Stability Control provides impressive control on slippery roads. When driving in the Regenerative Braking with Boost Mode and you’re not on the accelerator, additional regenerative braking is applied to recapture even more lost energy and help slow you down with less reliance on the brake pedal.  


Available All-Wheel Drive with X-MODE®

The bZ4X also offers surprisingly impressive driving performance with the X-MODE system on bZ4X AWD-equipped models. This system is intended for a capable-yet-comfortable driving experience suited for everyday driving and off-pavement exploration. Coupled with Multi-terrain Select, the AWD system with X-MODE can be used in two modes (Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud) to tackle slippery or uneven surfaces. In both modes, the system applies the brakes on spinning wheels to produce a limited-slip differential (LSD) effect for additional traction.

Engage Snow/Dirt Mode with X-MODE to enhance vehicle stability and improve traction on bumpy or unpaved roads or certain snow-covered surfaces. Deep Snow/Mud Mode helps to tackle softer road surfaces covered by heavy snow, providing more vehicle stability by allowing the tires to slip in a way that clears away snow or mud. And in downhill situations that require the driver to apply heavy braking, Downhill Assist Control helps maintain a constant speed to allow the driver to concentrate on steering. Another ingenious feature of the AWD system with X-MODE is Grip-Control, a low-speed system that leverages motor drive power modulation to achieve capable off-road performance. This feature was developed as an added function to determine road surface characteristics and maintain a constant speed to prevent slipping on rough roads. 


Grade by Grade

Every bZ4X grades comes with well-appointed set of standard features like:

XLE

  • Choice of FWD or AWD
  • X-MODE with Snow/Dirt, Deep Snow/Mud, and Grip Control modes (AWD only)
  • 18-in. multi-spoke black/silver alloy wheels with plastic covers
  • Digital speedometer and charging status, 7-in. top-mount TFT LCD Multi-Information Display (MID)
  • Fabric/SofTex®trimmed seats with 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 6-way adjustable front passenger seat
  • 60/40 split, reclining fold-flat rear seat
  • Covered Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with charge indicator light
  • Four USB-C charge ports one USB-A media port
  • 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with six speakers
  • Regenerative braking with Boost and Eco drive modes
  • Bi-LED projector low- and high-beam headlights with LED accent lights
  • LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and LED taillights and stop lights
  • Panoramic fixed-glass roof with power sunshade
  • Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers with de-icer function
  • Height-adjustable power liftgate with jam protection
  • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0

Nightshade (Adds or replaces features on XLE)

  • 20-inch black multi-spoke alloy wheels
  • Two-Tone Paint (Heavy Metal & Wind Chill Pearl)
  • Black Fabric/SofTex®trimmed seats with red stitching
  • Heated Leather-trimmed steering wheel with red stitching
  • Black split-roof rear spoiler
  • Black badging
  • Black door handles

Limited (Adds or replaces features on XLE)

  • 20-inch black multi-spoke alloy wheels
  • Multi-LED headlights
  • Chrome window trim
  • Height-adjustable foot activated power liftgate with jam protection
  • SofTex®-trimmed seats – 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support – 6-way adjustable front passenger seat
  • Heated and ventilated front seating
  • Heated leather-trimmed manual tilt/telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel
  • Digital key capability

Options and Packages

  • XLE Weather Package — includes heated leather-trimmed steering wheel, and heated front seats
  • Limited Weather Package — includes heated rear seats, and front radiant foot-and-leg warmer
  • There are also two available options on the Limited grade:
    • 9-speaker JBL® Premium Audio including subwoofer and amplifier
    • Split roof rear spoiler
    • Two-tone paint

Intuitive Connected Tech
The interior styling of bZ4X exudes comfort, with premium finishes, designed to make everything easily accessible, from the USB ports to the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. All grades come standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that runs the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, designed and engineered by Toyota’s Texas-based Connected Technologies team. The bZ4X also comes with a host of Toyota Connected Services** trials.

A Drive Connect** 3-year trial gives access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. With Intelligent Assistant, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awakens the system for voice activated commands to search for directions, find Points of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more. Cloud Navigation, the available onboard navigation solution, utilizes the cloud to download the latest available map, traffic and routing information. To ensure users have the most up-to-date search capabilities, POI search is provided by Google Points-of-Interest data. Destination Assist also gives access to 24/7 live agent assistance to locate the next destination. 


The Toyota Audio Multimedia system also allows for dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. With further connectivity, the bZ4X has an available Wi-Fi Connect trial (30 days or up to 3GB) that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices – turning the bZ4X into an AT&T Hotspot. Adding to the already robust offering of audio playback ability with HD Radio, USB data and a SiriusXM® 3-month trial subscription, Wi-Fi Connect also enables the new Integrated Streaming feature, providing the ability to link separate Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle for onboard control. For those looking for an enhanced audio experience, the bZ4X has an available JBL® Premium Audio system with 9 speakers, including an 8-channel 800-watt amplifier and 9-inch subwoofer.

The bZ4X also comes with up to 10-year Safety Connect** and Service Connect** trials. Safety Connect includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator. Service Connect gives drivers the capability to receive Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts and reminders.

With the Toyota App, users can stay connected to their bZ4X with the Remote Connect** service, included as a 3-year trial. With Remote Connect, users can activate headlights, a horn alert, buzzer and unlock the rear hatch. The remote climate features include the ability for in-cabin temperature controls, including remote activation of the available seat heaters/ventilators, steering wheel heater, defroster, and the ability to schedule a timer to activate in a daily routine.

With the bZ4X Limited grade, drivers also have access to the available Toyota Digital Key**, a feature of the Remote Connect service. Owners can now share vehicle access with ease. Making it simple to lock, unlock and start the vehicle all through the Toyota App.

Remote Charging capabilities are also included with Remote Connect trial or subscription on the bZ4X, which includes the ability to check charging status, start/stop charging with a vehicle that is already plugged in and even edit charging schedules, allowing for enhanced controls of the bZ4X’s charging. The Toyota App also provides an easy-to-use map to find charging station locations near you or along your route.

Active Safety & Driver Assist Technology
The bZ4X features Toyota Safety Sense 3.0™ (TSS 3.0), Toyota’s latest suite of active safety and driver assistance features. The goal of TSS is to help prevent or mitigate accidents and ease the burden on drivers. This system uses a combination of millimeter wave radar and monocular camera to monitor various driving conditions. Please note that Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 systems are not a substitute for safe and attentive driving, you can find an online version of the Owner’s Manual here for instructions and limitations. This standard suite of features includes:

  • Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD): Designed to help detect a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist and provide an audio/visual forward-collision warning under certain circumstances. If a driver does not react, the system is designed to provide automatic emergency braking.
  • Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): Intended for highway use, DRCC is an adaptive cruise control system that is designed to be set at speeds above 20 MPH and uses vehicle-to-vehicle distance control to help maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead.
  • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA): When white/yellow lane markings or certain road-edge boundary lines are detected at speeds above 30 MPH, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) is designed to issue an audio/visual lane departure warning if an inadvertent lane departure is detected. If the driver does not take corrective action, the system is also designed to provide gentle corrective steering for lane-keeping assistance.
  • Lane Tracing Assist (LTA): When DRCC is enabled and lane markers are detected, LTA uses the lines on the road and/or preceding vehicles to provide active driving assistance and help keep the vehicle centered in its lane. While LTA is activated, the Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS) is designed to monitor the driver’s inputs, such as steering operation. If the EDSS determines the driver is not attentive and the driver does not respond to prompts to resume control of the vehicle, it can bring the vehicle to a stop under certain conditions.
  • Automatic High Beams (AHB): Designed to help drivers see more clearly at night. At speeds above 21 MPH, the AHB system is designed to detect the headlights of oncoming vehicles and taillights of preceding vehicles, then automatically toggle between high and low beams accordingly.
  • Road Sign Assist (RSA): Using an intelligent camera, RSA is designed to detect speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, yield signs and certain warning signs, and display an icon of the sign on the Multi-Information Display.
  • Proactive Driving Assist (PDA): When system operating conditions are met, using the vehicle’s camera and radar, PDA provides gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist.

Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is also standard on all grades. The BSM system uses rear side radar sensors installed on the inner side of the rear bumper on the left and right side to assist the driver in confirming safety when changing lanes. The RCTA function uses the same sensors installed behind the rear bumper. This function is intended to assist the driver in checking areas that are not easily visible when backing up.

Safe Exit Alert is also standard on bZ4X. This system is designed to detect vehicles or cyclists approaching from the rear and judges if there is a possibility of a collision with an opened door or passengers who are exiting. Safe Exit Alert will illuminate an indicator in the outer mirror and provide an audibly alert to notify vehicle occupants.

The bZ4X is also equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, standard. This system includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST).

As previously mentioned, the bZ4X Limited grade adds driver assistance features for the 2025 model year that include Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Front Cross-Traffic Alert, standard. The Limited grade also includes a standard Panoramic View Monitor with Perimeter Scan including 360-degree Overhead View in low-speed drive and reverse, and Curb View.

In terms of battery safety, Toyota uses many measures to help protect cell integrity, thanks to the design and a multiple monitoring system intended to protect the vehicle’s battery system. This includes:

  • Redundant monitoring of battery voltage, current and temperature designed to detect signs of abnormal heating to maintain optimal battery temperature and help prevent cell damage
  • Utilization of a high-resistance coolant circulation system is designed to help prevent fire from short circuits even in high battery load conditions due to repeatedly switching between high-speed driving and rapid charging
  • Integration of the high-capacity battery pack within the floor of the body frame structure is designed with protection in mind


Limited Warranty

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. The Electric Vehicle Driving Components, including the traction battery, are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

Toyota bZ4X also comes with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance, for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and three years of Roadside Assistance, regardless of mileage.

Thursday, December 19, 2024

2024 Toyota Year in Review: Celebrating Legacy, Milestones and Innovation

 In 2024, Toyota celebrated several milestones and accomplished success across various sectors.

From moving full speed ahead with making progress on its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 to presenting new opportunities for others to learn from. Here’s a look back at Toyota’s achievements in 2024 as the company gears up to keep the momentum and legacy going for the year ahead.



Leading the Way 
When it comes to advancing new technologies and innovations, Toyota is committed in making a positive difference.

For the past year, Toyota has forged several partnerships and collaborations with companies that share the same dedication to achieving carbon neutrality.

Guided by its “Empact” vision to address equitable EV charging and Mobility for All, Toyota announced the first communities to receive DC fast chargers (DCFC): Baldwin Park and Sacramento, both in California. High-power 350kW chargers at each location will be installed, owned and operated by EVgo, one of the nation’s largest public fast charging networks, and feature simultaneous charging. The California sites are targeted to be operational in 2025.

In June, Toyota and local energy utility Pepco started working together on vehicle-to-grid (V2G) research for BEVs using a Toyota bZ4X. This collaboration aims to understand the needs of EV owners through their charging habits and vehicle usage, which will be crucial in driving widespread adoption of V2G technology.

The following month, the company joined seven other OEMs as a joint venture, investing in IONNA, an EV charging company, to support the buildout of its high-powered charging network for BEVs across North America. This allows Toyota and Lexus customers access to the public network of DC fast chargers that IONNA started deploying this year. IONNA plans to install at least 30,000 charging ports in North America by 2030, and stations will include both NACS and CCS connectors to support all BEV drivers.

In the fall, Toyota Motor Corporation and Joby Aviation, Inc., a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, announced that Toyota will invest an additional $500 million, subject to standard regulatory approvals and certain other conditions, to support the certification and commercial production of Joby’s electric air taxi, with the aim of realizing the two companies’ shared vision of air mobility. The investment will bring Toyota’s total investment in Joby to $894 million.

In mid-October, Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) and Revel announced an agreement to provide Toyota and Lexus BEV customers with complimentary access to Revel’s DC fast charging network in New York City for approximately three years through Oct. 14, 2027. Revel currently operates the largest network of public fast charging stations in New York City, with four high-volume stations open 24/7 offering both NACS and CCS plug types.



Environmental Sustainability and Research and Development
It’s no secret that nurturing and preserving the earth benefits every living thing on the planet. That’s why Toyota is working to ensure that its sustainability efforts are reflected throughout its operations. Through collaboration and continuous improvement, Toyota is committed to achieving carbon neutrality in operations, across new vehicle sales and supply chain as part of its 2050 goals.

Over the past 12 months, Toyota made great strides toward accomplishing those goals.

As highlighted in the annual 2024 North American Environmental Sustainability Report, Toyota’s environmental efforts include exciting partnerships such as with the Nature Conservancy to address water conservation. In addition to water stewardship, the report also highlights key progress across three other priority areas – Carbon, Circular Economy (previously “Materials”), and Biodiversity.

The company also worked with iconic environmentalist Dr. Jane Goodall’s international organization which helps build environmental awareness in young people to help them be empowered to understand issues and help come up with constructive solutions.

Advances in Hydrogen Technology
Throughout the year, Toyota also made significant changes and announcements regarding renewable hydrogen electricity. Read about some of the company’s fuel cell initiatives and facilities:

Advances in Research and Development
In addition to environmental and renewable electricity, Toyota also made remarkable advancements in R&D and innovation. Here are a few standouts in 2024:



Product Reveals and MY25 News
In 2024, Toyota showcased new vehicles that complement a variety of lifestyles. One of the biggest reveals was the all-new 2025 4Runner.

This beloved off-road icon has been delivering top performance, rugged style and innovative design for more than four decades and keeps on trucking — boasting capabilities to help tackle the toughest terrains. It’s back with a bold look and adds new technology, premium materials, options, and safety and convenience features.

Another major addition in 2024 was the Direct Automatic Transmission on the 2025 GR Corolla. Thanks to the 8-speed DAT with paddle shifters, now there is an option for both hardcore enthusiasts who enjoy the thrill of a manual transmission and those who’d rather focus on dynamic handling with an automatic transmission.

Toyota also launched its new Advanced Rear Seat Reminder, debuting on the 2025 Sienna.

Building on decades of intuitive technologies designed to benefit customers, the vehicle added standard Advanced Rear Seat Reminder in models sold in the U.S., utilizing a millimeter-wave radar that is designed to detect movement in the vehicle and send alerts to notify the driver or Toyota app user (Toyota app notifications require an active Safety Connect trial or subscription and 4G network availability) through a series of escalating warnings.

Toyota also scored other significant recognitions over the course of the year including: Toyota Prius/Prius Prime winning the 2024 North American Car of the Year AwardWorld Car Design of the Year and the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ for Highest MPG for a Coast-to-Coast Drive.

Toyota also made waves at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas where new builds, concepts and more were featured.

Looking for more information on vehicle updates for the 2025 model year? Check out the Toyota What’s New for 2025 landing page. For even more information about these exciting new additions, be sure to test your knowledge with these fun and informative quizzes:



Celebrating CALTY’s 50th Anniversary
CALTY Design Research (Calty) is where a lot of Toyota’s magic happens. The talented design team has been conceptualizing innovative designs for 50 years. To recognize and honor that milestone, Toyota newsroom featured several stories that provided a celebratory overview of some of the team’s most prominent and historic designs over the years.

Take a look at some of the pioneering and creative work to come out of Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor, Mich.:



Making It Work
Toyota’s manufacturing plants are always buzzing with new and exciting happenings. For starters, there were some major investment announcements including the Kentucky plant bringing BEV assembly to its facilities, as well as a $1.4 billion investment in the Indiana plant for a similar assembly line.

What’s more, in June, Toyota also decided to grow its Huntsville plant capabilities with a $282 million investment and added more than 350 new, high-quality jobs with long-term stability, affirming its commitment to reinvesting profits in its U.S. operations. That same month, Toyota Texas expanded its footprint with a $531 million investment bringing more than 400 new, high-quality jobs to San Antonio.

Several other notable events that took place in the company’s manufacturing sector:

Toyota creates and develops programs that help set up employees for success. One way the company does that is through its workforce readiness initiatives in the communities in which it operates. These programs equip students and young adults with the training and skills they need to excel in the manufacturing field.

In 2024, some of those programs took place in West VirginiaKentuckyTexas, and Missouri.

This year for Manufacturing Month, Toyota newsroom readers learned 10 interesting facts about Toyota’s U.S. plants, in addition to insight into the employees who work behind the scenes in manufacturing and what fuels their careers.

To learn more about the U.S. manufacturing locations, click here.



Toyota’s Dedicated Employees
Earlier this year, Toyota published its 2024 Diversity + Inclusion Annual report, showcasing the company’s ongoing commitment towards fostering Limitless Possibilities for All throughout the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada and Mexico. This year’s D+I Annual Report theme, “+ = Us | The Journey Continues,” follows the holistic approach introduced in the 2023 report, which was made by underscoring the multiple facets that make the company unique.

Over the course of the year, Toyota featured several stories highlighting its employees. Here are a few examples:



Building Stronger Communities
Children are the future leaders of tomorrow. In 2024, Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative, funded in part by Toyota Motor North America and Toyota Financial Services (TFS), expanded to support a total of eight communities with plans to expand to other locations where Toyota has operations. In each community, the initiative supports students and families across the PreK-12 continuum, going deep to understand where the opportunity is greatest to increase student achievement and close gaps for underserved communities.

In addition to funding, communities benefit from Toyota’s operational know-how, volunteer efforts, mentorship and other supports.

In addition to Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative, this year Toyota Motor North America announced Toyota’s Way Forward Fund’s third and fourth round of  grant and scholarship awardees in support of pediatric research and injury recovery.

For more on Toyota’s community engagement initiatives, be sure to read the following stories from the past year:



Team Toyota: Winning Streak

On and off the field of play, Toyota was all game for taking home several wins in 2024. From motorsports to Paris 2024, there were many monumental moments with Team Toyota over the past 12 months.

In October, it was announced that Toyota Racing will formally become TOYOTA GAZOO Racing prior to the start of the 2025 season with all of its motorsports efforts competing under the global TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) banner. Later that month, Toyota clinched its ninth Formula DRIFT Auto Cup title after the season finale at California’s Irwindale Speedway.

Several motorsports drivers were featured over the year including Corey HeimTyler ReddickMartin Truex, Jr., Denny Hamlin and John Hunter Nemechek.

While motorsports was a hot topic, the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 were just as enthralling. Toyota Team USA made it to the podium thanks to these top-performing athletes:

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Team Toyota is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, in August, it was announced that the first female anglers are set to join Team Toyota, marking a monumental step in empowering women in competitive fishing. If that sports news wasn’t enough, here’s an even bigger one: Toyota is the “Official Automotive Partner of the NFL” and of course, that major partnership comes with an entertaining NFL-themed campaign to keep fans engaged all season long.

To stay ahead of the game, be sure to check out the latest additions to its roster of league partners.

Overall, Toyota had a year filled with tremendous milestones, innovative products and outstanding partnerships. If 2025 is anything like 2024, the company is in for an exhilarating ride.

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