Credit: Charged EVs
Toyota’s effort to manufacture sustainable vehicles has, so far been restricted to the Prius hybrid. In some markets, there is a plug-in version (with a larger battery), in which petrol is augmented by electricity from the grid.
In the US, Toyota marketed a battery electric vehicle (BEV) variant of the RAV 4, with battery & drivetrain supplied by Tesla. However, this vehicle was seen as a compliance car. I.e. produced & sold in small numbers, in restricted markets, to comply with emissions rules. Toyota hasn’t renewed its contract for supply of battery & drivetrain, & has, in fact, sold its Tesla shares.
A misleading advertisement produced by Toyota’s Lexus subsidiary in the US suggests that all BEVs require 4 hours to charge at a public charging station.
Update: accuracy of Toyota anti-BEV advertisements isn't improving.
Toyota’s plan to begin marketing a hydrogen fuel cell car in the US in December, seemed to put an end to any possibility of a BEV from that company.
With an attitude to BEVs which seems to range between disinterest & hostility, Toyota’s plan to survey charging facilities in Japan is puzzling:
http://chargedevs.com/newswire/toyota-tests-evse-expansion-in-japan/ / Toyota five month test public EV chargers charging charge recharge Aichi Prefecture Japan commercial tourist accommodation facilities tests cultural social service facilities aim ascertain optimal number location charging stations ease of use 147 standard chargers newly installed identify identifying ideal charger locations operating methods monitoring charging frequency duration facility installing chargers city owned facilities in hilly and mountainous areas will allay user concerns about running run out of charge instal installation installing multiple chargers commercial facilities where usage is heavy monitoring changes use usage energy management measures peak shaving /
