Toyota Predicts EVs Will Have a Range of Over 600 Miles
Over the years, the range of electric vehicles (EVs) has steadily increased, with top manufacturers such as Mercedes, BMW, and Tesla boasting an estimated range of over 350 miles. Toyota, a well-known hybrid maker, is now joining the race to develop EVs with even longer-lasting charges. In a bold announcement, the Japanese company shared its plan for future cars to reach a range of 1,000 km (~621 miles), which it claims will revolutionize the future of cars.
According to Toyota, it will achieve this goal by “integrating next-generation batteries and audio technology” and plans to launch a full range of electric cars by 2026. It already offers an all-electric bZ4X SUV that can drive around 270 miles. with one charge and starting at $42,000. In addition, it plans to release a “next-generation” electric car for its luxury brand Lexus in the same time frame.
The company began “active investment in forward-looking areas” in 2016 and, as of March, had shifted about half of its R&D staff and expenses to Development. In May, Toyota launched the BEV Factory, a facility designed specifically for innovative battery electronics technology. The company has introduced giga-casting, i.e. the use of high-pressure aluminum die-casting machines, to create larger car parts. Tesla was the first to use this measure to lower manufacturing costs. The body of the car is made of only three pieces.
Toyota’s other venture is the hydrogen factory, a facility it plans to open this July in hopes of streamlining decisions and offering more advanced, cheaper fuel cells through alliances and its own innovation. Hydrogen itself is not cheap or widely available, creating additional barriers to adaptation. It can cost around $0.30 per kilometer, although Toyota is offering $15,000 or three years for Leaseholders and six years for buyers – whichever comes first – of free fuel as an incentive. Its hydrogen car, the Toyota Mirai, currently has a range of up to 402 miles and takes about five minutes to refuel. Toyota also recently unveiled the GR H2 Racing concept for its upcoming entry into the new hydrogen car class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where fast refueling is vital.
