Toyota and Lexus Offer Lower Emissions EV Charging Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Toyota Motor North America has partnered with WattTime to help Toyota and Lexus customers optimize EV charging times with the ECO Charging feature integrated into their apps. This initiative allows battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) owners to select the most efficient charging periods, reducing CO2 emissions. The technology guides customers on when to charge for minimal environmental impact, reflecting Toyota's commitment to sustainability and cleaner energy solutions.

Positive

• Introduction of ECO Charging feature enhances customer experience by reducing emissions during vehicle charging.
• Partnership with WattTime positions Toyota as a leader in sustainable automotive technology.

Negative

• None.

Agreement with WattTime will allow Toyota and Lexus customers to identify ideal times to charge electrified vehicles to help reduce impact of CO2 emissions

• Toyota and Lexus battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) customers can identify key charging times with less health and environmental impact using WattTime's technology
• ECO Charging feature integrated for use at no extra charge into Toyota and Lexus apps as part of Remote Connect* for customers with eligible vehicles

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aligning with its goals to provide energy solutions for customers while working toward making cleaner energy sustainable and resilient for all, Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) has recently entered into an agreement with WattTime to provide certain health and environmental impact data to Toyota and Lexus customers with eligible vehicles to enable them to find ideal charging times to reduce emissions when charging at home. By using this data to make more informed decisions on charging times, customers are empowered to do their part to help reduce power plant emissions that impact human health and climate change.

Leveraging the power of the Remote Connect feature within the Toyota and Lexus apps, Toyota and Lexus BEV and PHEV customers will be able to manage their home charging experience, via the ECO Charging feature, to select the most efficient times to charge their vehicles.

"With the integration of WattTime data in the Toyota and Lexus apps, we are providing customers an easy and accessible way to identify times when they can charge their vehicle that help reduce environmental impact," said Steve Basra, group vice president, Connected Technologies, Toyota Motor North America. "The Toyota and Lexus apps offer a seamless and simple solution for our customers, and we're confident this will enhance their electrified vehicle ownership experience."

WattTime is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 that provides information to everyone from power utilities to individual users on the best forecasted times to pull electricity from the grid for the smallest carbon footprint. As part of its agreement, Toyota will be the exclusive automotive manufacturer to also provide customers with WattTime data related to human health. Using that data, customers will be presented with recommended charging schedules that, if used, can potentially reduce the health impact of the electricity being pulled from the local utility.

"Our electrified vehicle customers select our vehicles not only to enjoy a best-in-class customer experience, but also to make a positive impact on our environment and society," said James George, general manager, Toyota EV Charging Solutions. "We will continue to provide solutions both now and in the future in support of Toyota's goal of creating a carbon neutral society." 

"With the help of WattTime data, Toyota and Lexus have pioneered a feature in their phone apps to help customers identify when they can charge their electric vehicle with electricity coming from some of the cleanest power plant options available," said Gavin McCormick, executive director of WattTime. "It's a powerful step to protect the planet - and everyone on it."

How does it work?

Customers who own eligible vehicles can download the Toyota or Lexus app and register their vehicle, and then they can choose to opt-in to the Remote Connect service through the app. The Toyota and Lexus apps will take the electricity forecast data from WattTime and combine it with the customer's own charging and mobility requirements to propose a charging schedule through the ECO Charging feature. The optional schedule will be presented to them through the customer's existing account on their app. Customers may use the data to align their charging schedule with the times of day that will offer the best potential for a reduced carbon footprint and impact on health.

The ECO Charging feature is available now on the Toyota and Lexus apps, both of which are available for download for iPhone® or Android™ smartphones.

Last year Toyota launched the all-new BEV crossover, the bZ4X. Toyota also offers PHEV vehicle options with the Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime. Lexus' all-new RZ 450e BEV will go on sale early this year. In addition, Lexus offers PHEV options in the NX 450h+ and the forthcoming RX 450h+.

*ECO Charging requires a trial or subscription to Remote Connect. Remote Connect depends on certain factors outside of Toyota's and Lexus' control in order to operate, including 4G network availability, a cellular connection and GPS signal. Without any one or more of these things, operability may be limited or precluded. Services subject to change at any time without notice. Trial period begins on original purchase or lease date of new vehicle. Paid subscription required after trial (if applicable). Terms of Use apply. Data charges may apply. See https://www.toyota.com/connected-services and https://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/technology/interface for additional details.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE: TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota's 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.  With the more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, a quarter of the company's 2021 U.S. sales were electrified.

To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

About Lexus

Lexus' passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models and one F performance model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

About WattTime 

WattTime is an environmental tech nonprofit that empowers all people, companies, policymakers, and countries to easily and effectively supercharge emissions reductions from electricity use. Founded by UC Berkeley researchers, we develop data-driven insights, software, and tools that multiply the beneficial impact of clean energy solutions and slash emissions from fossil-fueled electricity.

For Toyota or Lexus customer inquiries, please call 800-331-4331.

Toyota/Lexus Media Contact:
Josh Burns
Joshua.Burns@Toyota.com

WattTime Media Contact:
Nikki Arnone, Inflection Point Agency for WattTime
nikki@inflectionpointagency.com

 

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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

FAQ

What is Toyota's ECO Charging feature?

Toyota's ECO Charging feature allows customers to identify optimal charging times for their electric vehicles to minimize CO2 emissions.

How does the partnership with WattTime benefit Toyota customers?

The partnership provides customers with data to make informed charging decisions, thus reducing environmental impact.

When was the agreement between Toyota and WattTime announced?

The agreement was announced on January 11, 2023.

What types of vehicles are eligible for the ECO Charging feature?

The ECO Charging feature is available for Toyota and Lexus battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

What is the goal of the Toyota and WattTime collaboration?

The collaboration aims to help reduce power plant emissions and promote a carbon-neutral society by optimizing charging times.

Is the ECO Charging feature free for Toyota and Lexus customers?

Yes, the ECO Charging feature is provided at no extra charge as part of the Remote Connect service.