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Why The Crown FCEV Could Spearhead Toyota’s Hydrogen Ambitions

Toyota has been a leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology for many years. The company has been developing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles since the early 1990s, and it launched its first commercial hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the Mirai, in 2014. Toyota has ambitious plans for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The company has pledged to invest billions of dollars in “green” tech including hydrogen fuel cell technology, and it has set a goal of selling a million “zero-emissions” vehicles per year by 2030.

The Crown Z FCEV is the new flagship vehicle for Toyota’s hydrogen ambitions. It is a high-performance, luxury vehicle that showcases the best of Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell technology. The Crown Z FCEV has a number of advantages over other hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. It has a longer range, a quicker refueling time, and lower operating costs. It is also more versatile than other hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and it can be used for a variety of applications, including fleets, delivery vehicles, taxis, ride-sharing vehicles, and government fleet vehicles.

The Crown Z FCEV has the potential to be a game-changer for the hydrogen fuel cell market. It is a high-profile vehicle that is likely to attract attention from consumers and businesses alike. If the Crown Z FCEV is successful, it could help accelerate the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and make them a more mainstream transportation option.

To provide you with the most current and reliable information, the information used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota’s website.

Related: Toyota Crown FCEV: Everything Confirmed So Far

The Crown FCEV’s Performance And Efficiency Will Improve Toyota’s Street Creds2024 Toyota Crown Z (FCEV)

One of the key advantages of the Crown FCEV is its performance. The system is designed to deliver both power and efficiency, with Toyota claiming that it produces torque from the moment you step on the accelerator. This allows the Crown to accelerate smoothly and effortlessly. The firm also goes further to claim that the Crown is very quiet, thanks to its electric motor. This makes the Crown FCEV a pleasure to drive, both in urban and highway settings.

The Crown FCEV Is More Efficient Than Its Gasoline Peers

Toyota Crown FCEV system
Toyota 

Another key advantage of the Crown FCEV is its efficiency. The system converts up to 60-percent of the hydrogen it uses into electricity, which is much higher than the efficiency of a traditional gasoline-powered engine. This means that the Crown FCEV can travel further on a single tank of hydrogen than a gasoline-powered vehicle can on a single tank of gasoline.

How the Crown FCEV’s performance and efficiency will spearhead Toyota’s hydrogen ambitions:

  • A high-performance vehicle, which could help to dispel the myth that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are slow and sluggish.
  • A very efficient vehicle, which could help to make hydrogen fuel cell vehicles more affordable for consumers.
  • The Crown FCEV is a zero-emissions vehicle, which could help Toyota to achieve its environmental goals.

Related: Why Hydrogen Cars Are The Next Wave Of Clean Mobility

The External Power Supply System Is A Boon for Toyota’s Ambitions

2024 Toyota Crown Z (FCEV)
Toyota

The 2024 Toyota Crown FCEV’s external power supply system is a major innovation that will help Toyota to spearhead its hydrogen ambitions. This system allows the Crown FCEV to be used as a backup power source for homes and businesses, providing a clean and reliable source of energy during emergencies or when the grid is unavailable.

The external power supply system is powered by the Crown FCEV’s fuel cell system, which produces electricity from hydrogen. This electricity can then be used to power a variety of home and business appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, lights, fans, and power tools.

The Crown Z FCEV Power Supply System Is An Asset

The external power supply system is a valuable asset for homeowners and businesses that are looking for a reliable source of backup power. It is also a boon for Toyota’s hydrogen ambitions, as it demonstrates the versatility and usefulness of hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Why the external power supply system is a big deal:

  • Increase awareness of hydrogen fuel cell technology: The external power supply system is a unique and innovative feature that will help to raise awareness of hydrogen fuel cell technology among consumers. This could lead to increased demand for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which would help Toyota achieve its sales goals.
  • Demonstrate the versatility of hydrogen fuel cell technology: The external power supply system shows that hydrogen fuel cell technology can be used for more than just powering vehicles. It can also be used to power homes and businesses, providing a clean and reliable source of energy. This will help to convince businesses and governments to invest in hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Related: Why Now Is The Time To Invest In A Hydrogen Car

This Hydrogen Toyota Is Ideal for Fleets

2024 Toyota Crown Z (FCEV)
Toyota

The Crown FCEV is also well-suited for use in hydrogen fuel cell fleets. Its long range and quick refueling time make it a practical choice for businesses that need a fleet of vehicles that can operate without emissions.

  • Delivery vehicles: The Crown FCEV’s long range and quick refueling time make it ideal for delivery vehicles. Delivery companies can use the Crown FCEV to deliver goods to customers quickly and efficiently, without having to worry about emissions.
  • Taxis: The Crown FCEV’s spacious interior and comfortable ride make it ideal for taxis. Taxi drivers can use the Crown FCEV to transport passengers safely and comfortably, without having to worry about emissions.
  • Ride-sharing vehicles: The Crown FCEV’s affordable operating costs and zero emissions make it ideal for ride-sharing vehicles. Ride-sharing companies can use the Crown FCEV to provide their customers with a clean and sustainable transportation option.

The Crown FCEV can also be used in government fleets, such as police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are well-suited for these applications because they offer a number of advantages over gasoline or diesel vehicles, including;

  • Increased range: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have a longer range than gasoline or diesel vehicles, which is important for emergency vehicles that need to be able to respond to incidents quickly and efficiently.
  • Quicker refueling: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can be refueled in just a few minutes, which is important for emergency vehicles that need to be able to get back on the road quickly.
  • Zero emissions: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce zero emissions, which makes them a clean and sustainable transportation option for use in government fleets.

Related: Why Your Next Purchase Should Be A Hydrogen Car

A Flagship Chauffeur-driven Hydrogen Vehicle

2024 Toyota Crown Z (FCEV)
Toyota

The Toyota Crown FCEV is a luxury sedan that is perfectly suited for chauffeur-driven use. It offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, a smooth and quiet ride, and a variety of features that make it the perfect vehicle for executives and other VIPs. The Crown FCEV has a long wheelbase of 118 inches, which allows for spacious rear seats. This makes it easy for passengers to stretch out and relax during long journeys. The rear seats are also equipped with heated and cooled cushions, as well as power sunshades on the rear windows.

The Crown FCEV is equipped with an Adaptive Variable Suspension system that helps to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. This system adjusts the suspension settings based on road conditions and driving style, helping to minimize bumps and vibrations. The Crown FCEV is also equipped with acoustic glass and sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise levels inside the cabin.

The Crown FCEV is equipped with a number of features that are designed to make it the perfect vehicle for chauffeur-driven use. These features include:

  • A rear-seat entertainment system with a large touchscreen display
  • A power-adjustable rear seat with a massage function
  • A refrigerator in the rear console
  • A wireless charging pad for smartphones

Related: Automakers Deeply Invested In Hydrogen-powered Cars

The Crown FCEV’s Elegant Exterior Design And Spacious Interior

The 2024 Toyota Crown Z FCEV is a head-turning vehicle with an elegant exterior design and a spacious and luxurious interior. This combination of style and substance could help to spearhead Toyota’s hydrogen ambitions. The Crown FCEV’s exterior design embodies the “new formal” aesthetic. The flowing proportions, sharp lines, and distinctive details create a truly eye-catching vehicle. The Crown FCEV is also available in a variety of colors, including black, beige, and brown, to suit different tastes.

Toyota Crown Z FCEV Exterior Dimensions

Length

198.03 inches (5,030 mm)

Width

74.41 inches (1,890 mm)

Height

57.87 inches (1,470 mm)

Seating

Five

(Specs sourced from Toyota)

The Toyota Features A Luxurious And Spacious Interior

The Crown FCEV’s interior is both spacious and luxurious. The island architecture design emphasizes a sense of openness and airiness. The large wood-grain panel that extends across the dashboard creates a sense of unity and harmony. The seats are upholstered in high-quality leather, and there’s plenty of legroom and headroom inside the cabin. The Crown FCEV also features a variety of amenities that make it a comfortable and enjoyable place to be. These include a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system.

The Crown Z FCEV’s Elegance Will Attract More People To Toyota And Hydrogen Vehicles

The Crown FCEV’s stylish and luxurious design will attract new customers to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Many consumers are still unfamiliar with hydrogen fuel cell technology, and they may be hesitant to purchase a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle if they don’t think it’s stylish or luxurious. The Crown FCEV will help to change this perception by showing consumers that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can be both stylish and environmentally friendly.

Related: The Hydrogen Electric Vehicle Revolution Is Coming

In conclusion, the Toyota Crown Z FCEV is a flagship hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that has the potential to spearhead Toyota’s hydrogen ambitions. It offers a number of advantages over other hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, including a long-range, quick refueling time, low operating costs, and zero emissions.

The Crown FCEV is also a very versatile vehicle that can be used for a variety of applications, including fleets, delivery vehicles, taxis, ride-sharing vehicles, and government fleet vehicles.

If the Crown FCEV is successful, it will help to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and make them a more mainstream transportation option. This would be a major achievement for Toyota and would help to reduce emissions and create a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future.

WHAT’S NEW: 2024 LEXUS LS

  • Wireless cell phone charger standard on LS 500 and LS 500h
  • Head-Up Display, Digital Key capability, and 12.3-inch multi-information display (MID) now standard on LS 500
  • New exterior color: Silver Illusion
  • New wheel colors and designs available, exclusive to LS models
  • Starting MSRP of $80,685 (includes Delivery, Processing and Handling fee)

PLANO, Texas (Oct. 25, 2023) – The flagship sedan of Lexus, the 2024 LS, continues to impress with its bold design, refined performance, and exceptional craftsmanship. While the 2024 model sees minor changes, it remains a standout choice in the luxury sedan segment.

The 2024 Lexus LS now comes standard with a wireless cell phone charger in the cockpit, and a brand-new exterior paint option called Silver Illusion. Additionally, depending on the grade, the LS offers five exclusive wheel designs and colors. The 2024 LS gas models also come equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), Digital Key capability, Head-Up Display, and a 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display (MID).

The 2024 LS 500 has a starting MSRP* of $80,685, while the hybrid LS 500h starts at $115,560. These models are expected to arrive in dealerships later this year.

*Includes Delivery, Processing and Handling fee of $1,350

Impressive Power – Lexus LS 500

The LS 500 is equipped with a powerful 3.4-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers 416 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine features a unique piston top design for low emissions and quiet operation when cold. The twin-turbo engine also has a precise wastegate control for enhanced performance efficiency. The LS 500 is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission for optimal power output.

With a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds, the LS 500 offers thrilling performance. Drivers can choose from various driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Custom, Sport S, or Sport S+ – to tailor the powertrain response and feel. The LS 500 also features an available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system with a Torsen® limited-slip center differential for improved traction and stability. The vehicle’s powerful stance is accentuated by 19-inch alloy wheels in a Black and machined finish.

LS 500h AWD

The LS 500h is a high-performance hybrid model that also features a twin-turbo V6 engine producing 416 horsepower. It comes with 20-inch alloy wheels in a Vapor Chrome finish.

Built on the Mobility Teammate Concept, the Lexus Teammate™ technology allows for safe and convenient mobility. The LS 500h AWD is equipped with Lexus Teammate™ Advanced Drive and Advanced Park functions.

Looking the Part

The front fascia of the LS showcases a stylish design, with squared lower radiator air intakes that emphasize its sturdy and powerful stance. The dark metallic spindle grille adds an elegant touch to the overall appearance. The LS features 3-projector LED headlamps with a stacked layout, along with deep headlamps and squarish sub-radiator grilles that enhance its confident look.

The 2024 LS offers a variety of exterior color options, ranging from Ultra White, Eminent White Pearl, Atomic Silver, Manganese Luster, Iridium, Obsidian, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, and Nightfall Mica. The new addition for 2024 is the Silver Illusion exterior color.

Next-Level Interior

The 2024 Lexus LS continues to impress with its attention to detail and luxurious interior.

The Luxury and Executive Packages offer the option of Haku interior ornamentation. Haku foil is a traditional Japanese technique that involves flattening metal to an extremely thin width, resulting in a delicate shine reminiscent of moonlight reflecting on ocean waves. Additionally, the Luxury and Executive Packages now include a wood and leather-trimmed heated steering wheel.

On Executive models, the Kiriko Glass ornamentation and hand-folded pleats on the door trim showcase the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship. The cut glass ornamentation is inspired by Japanese Kiriko glassware, known for its intricate patterns created by hand-cutting and polishing.

The LS pays special attention to the rear seats, offering heating and massage options. The Executive Package also adds a reclining passenger-side seat that can be adjusted up to 48 degrees for optimal comfort.

F SPORT Brings Style and Dynamic Handling

The F SPORT version of the LS features a unique design that enhances its dynamic image. The front garnish of the sub-radiator grilles wraps around to the sides, emphasizing the vehicle’s wide stance. The F SPORT package also includes a dedicated color for the spindle grille and 20-inch spoke alloy wheels with a Gloss Black Metallic finish. For 2024, the package now includes a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel and a Panoramic View Monitor as standard features.

The F SPORT persona continues inside the cabin with perforated-grill pattern seating surfaces and Naguri aluminum trim elements. The F SPORT seats offer 28-way electric/pneumatic adjustment with power cushion-length extenders to ensure exceptional comfort during any drive.

Technology and Convenience Features

Lexus Interface with standard 12.3-inch touchscreen

The LS is equipped with a high-definition 12.3-inch touchscreen that provides easy-to-use controls and clear information for the driver and front-seat passenger. The screen features a high-adhesion, anti-reflective coating for a vivid display. Menu operations are similar to smartphones and tablets, and a center knob at the bottom edge of the screen controls power and volume for added convenience.

Cloud Navigation*

The LS features a 100% cloud-capable system that integrates with Google points of interest (POI) data. This provides faster and more up-to-date search results, accurate directions, and alternate routes based on real-time traffic conditions. The system also has an offline mode that downloads maps and services in advance to ensure continuity in case of signal loss.

Intelligent Assistant* 

The LS is equipped with Intelligent Assistant, offering convenient voice commands for various interior amenities such as navigation, multimedia, and climate control. With dual microphones, enhanced noise cancellation, and seat detection capabilities, this feature ensures accurate voice recognition. It can be activated by saying “Hey Lexus” and requires an active Drive Connect trial or subscription.

Digital Key* (Standard on LS Gas Models)

The LS gas models come standard with Digital Key, which allows compatible smartphones to function as vehicle keys through the Lexus app. Users can control door locks and enjoy additional convenience for car sharing, valet parking, or home delivery of packages. The Digital Key can be shared with up to seven additional guests registered on the Lexus app.

Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Capability

The LS offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, enabling users to access their favorite apps and control menus using their preferred mobile device ecosystem. The wireless feature allows for up to five Bluetooth devices to be registered, with two devices connected simultaneously.

Safety Connect*

With a Lexus Safety Connect trial of up to 10 years, the LS provides exceptional service in case of emergencies or vehicle theft.

Service Connect*

The Service Connect trial, accessible through the Lexus app, connects the LS with a compatible Lexus dealer to provide maintenance reminders and detailed Vehicle Health Reports for up to 10 years.

Head-Up Display

The LS features a Head-Up Display that projects essential information, such as speedometer, shift position, and navigational directions, in front of the driver’s field of vision. The display’s position can be linked to the driver’s seat position memory for personalized convenience.

Traffic Jam Assist Capability*

With an active Drive Connect trial or subscription, the LS can monitor surrounding traffic and automatically move forward and brake as needed to maintain a set following distance on limited access highways. This system provides hands-free steering assistance and can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and resume when traffic starts moving again.

*Available by subscription. Dependent on 4G network availability. Visit lexus.com/interface for more details.

LSS+ 3.0 (Standard on LS Gas Models)

The 2024 Lexus LS gas models come standard with LSS+ 3.0, an integrated suite of active safety equipment and convenience features.

Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection – This system helps detect potential collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists and provides audio and visual warnings. If the driver does not react, it can automatically apply emergency braking at speeds between 7-110 mph. The PCS utilizes a camera and millimeter-wave radar for enhanced performance and reliability.

  • Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist – This feature supports collision avoidance by applying gentle braking and steering operation in certain daytime conditions.
  • Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking – This feature provides a warning and automatic braking if the system detects a driver turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle in certain daytime conditions.

All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) – This adaptive cruise control system uses radar and camera technology to maintain a preset speed and distance from vehicles ahead, even in traffic. It can automatically slow the vehicle to a stop and resume speed when the road ahead clears.

Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) – When enabled, LTA uses lane markings and preceding vehicles to provide active driving assistance and help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.

Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS) – This system detects driver inactivity and provides warnings. If no further inputs are detected, it brings the vehicle to a gradual stop while keeping it in its lane and activates hazard lights to alert other drivers. EDSS operates on expressways with DRCC and LTA activated.

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA) – When detected at speeds above 32 mph, this system provides audio and visual warnings for lane departures and can assist with steering for lane keeping.

Road Sign Assist (RSA)  Using a camera, RSA detects and displays speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, yield signs, and certain warning signs on the Multi-Information Display (MID).

Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) – Utilizing the vehicle’s camera and radar, PDA provides braking and steering support for driving tasks such as maintaining distance from preceding vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists.

LSS + 2.5 (Standard on LS Hybrid Models)

All 2024 LS hybrid models come with LSS+ 2.5, which includes PCS with Pedestrian Detection, Low-light Pedestrian and Daytime Bicyclist Detection, Left Turn Vehicle Intersection Support, LDA w/ SA, Intelligent High Beams, DRCC, LTA, and RSA.

2024 Lexus LS Pricing Chart

Toyota Motor North America Reports U.S. September and Third Quarter 2023 Sales Results

• Year-to-date electrified vehicle sales including battery, fuel cell, hybrid and plug-in hybrid top 455,142 representing 27.9 percent of total volume

• 26 electrified vehicle options between both Toyota and Lexus brands, the most among any automaker

• 2024 Lexus RX plug-in hybrid available in showrooms; all-new 2024 Lexus TX with available hybrid on sale this week; fourth generation 2024 Toyota Tacoma on sale in December

PLANO, Texas (Oct. 3, 2023) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today reported U.S. September 2023 sales of 203,904 vehicles, up 13.9 percent on a volume basis and up 9.5 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis versus September 2022. September 2023 sales of electrified vehicles totaled 64,298, representing 31.5 percent of total monthly sales.

For the third quarter of 2023, TMNA reported U.S. sales of 590,296 vehicles, up 12.2 percent on a volume basis and up 10.8 percent on a DSR basis. Third quarter electrified vehicle sales totaled 184,666, representing 31.3 percent of total year-to-date sales.

Toyota division posted September sales of 177,654 vehicles, up 12.9 percent on a volume basis and up 8.6 percent on a DSR basis. For the third quarter of 2023, Toyota division reported sales of 515,400 vehicles, up 12.4 percent on a volume basis and up 11 percent on a DSR basis.

Lexus division posted September sales of 26,250 vehicles, up 20.9 percent on a volume basis and up 16.2 percent on a DSR basis. For the third quarter of 2023, Lexus division reported sales of 74,896 vehicles, up 10.9 percent on a volume basis and up 9.5 percent on a DSR basis.

“With the introduction of several electrified vehicles including the all-new Toyota Grand Highlander hybrid, Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid, Toyota Prius, and the Lexus RX plug-in hybrid, customers now have 26 Toyota and Lexus electrified vehicle options to choose from, the most among any automaker,” said Jack Hollis, executive vice president, Sales, TMNA. “We anticipate continued strong sales momentum as we close out 2023 as dealer stock improves and key new products like the fourth generation Toyota Tacoma and Lexus TX and TX hybrid hit showroom floors.”

September, Third Quarter and Year-To-Date Highlights

TMNA:

  • September electrified vehicle sales of 64,298, up 81.5 percent; represents 31.5 percent of total sales volume
  • Year-to-date electrified vehicle sales of 455,142, up 20.3 percent; represents 27.9% percent of total sales volume
  • 26 electrified Toyota and Lexus vehicle options available at dealerships
  • Passenger car September sales up 10 percent
  • Truck September sales up 15.7 percent

Toyota Division:

  • Electrified vehicle September sales up 88.2 percent
  • Electrified vehicle ratio: 27.9 percent
  • Year to date 2023 electrified vehicle ratio: 3 percent
  • Passenger car September sales up 11.2 percent
  • Prius September sales up 68.7 percent
  • SUV September sales 20.7 percent
  • Venza September sales up 145 percent
  • Best-ever September sales:
    • bZ4X
    • Corolla Cross HEV
    • Corolla HEV
    • Crown
    • Grand Highlander
    • Grand Highlander HEV
    • Sequoia
    • Tundra HEV
  • Best-ever year-to-date sales:
    • bZ4X
    • Corolla Cross
    • Corolla HEV
    • Mirai
    • Sequoia
    • Tundra HEV

Lexus Division:

  • Electrified vehicle September sales up 84.0 percent
  • Electrified vehicle ratio: 28.7 percent
  • Year-to-date electrified vehicle ratio: 27.9 percent
  • IS September sales up 12.9 percent
  • Luxury utility vehicle September sales up 28.6 percent; year-to-date up 19.9 percent
  • UX June sales up 36.8 percent; year-to-date up 19.4 percent
  • NX June sales up 64.8 percent; year-to-date sales up 63.3 percent
  • RX June sales up 8.9 percent; year-to-date sales up 4 percent
  • LX June sales up 404 percent; year-to-date sales up 94.7 percent
  • Best-ever September sales:
    • Total vehicles
    • Total utility vehicles
    • Total electrified vehicles
    • IS 500
    • NX HEV
    • NX PHEV
    • Total NX
    • RX HEV
    • RZ
    • RX PHEV
  • Best-ever year-to-date sales:
    • Total electrified vehicles
    • IS 500
    • NX HEV
    • NX PHEV
    • Total NX
    • RX HEV
    • RX PHEV
    • RZ

Note:

HEV = Hybrid Electric Vehicle

PHEV = Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle

FCEV = Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle

BEV = Battery Electric Vehicle


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About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 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 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 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 more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 26 electrified options.

Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed $110 million to create innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company’s 14 U.S. operating sites.

This Innovative Car Cover Can Protect Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries From Extreme Weather

A team of researchers has developed a remarkable car cover that can regulate temperatures all year round, protecting EV batteries from shifting weather conditions. This groundbreaking technology, described in a research paper published in the journal Cell, is a passive structure that can achieve all-season temperature regulation effectively.

The team prioritized design simplicity and scalability, ensuring that the cloak can be easily manufactured on a large scale without any technical or material sourcing difficulties. Additionally, this innovative cover is fire retardant and can withstand various environments, including thermal, cryogenic, vibration, and corrosive environments.

Known as a phononomic metafabric, the car cover has exhibited excellent fire retardant and thermal stability. To test its capabilities, the team subjected the cloak to a butane torch with a temperature of approximately 1,400 degrees Celsius. While the surface of the cover reached approximately 800 degrees Celsius, it quickly cooled down to 10 degrees Celsius.

Even in extremely cold conditions, with temperatures as low as -196 degrees Celsius, the cloak maintained its stability, solar reflectivity, and emissivity. Given its exceptional resistance, this technology can also be applied to regulate temperatures in buildings, spacecraft, and even future extraterrestrial habitats (as mentioned in this article).

Sustainable and Affordable Batteries: PowerCo Develops “Gamechanger” Technology for Cell Production

PowerCo SE is planning to introduce a completely new manufacturing process in its battery cell production plants in Europe and Northern America. The new technology will significantly boost efficiency and sustainability in volume battery cell production. A subsidiary of Volkswagen Group and based in Salzgitter, Niedersachsen, the battery company aims to industrialize the so-called Dry Coating procedure. The technology allows a decrease in energy consumption of about 30 percent, internal tests have already proven successful. Together with German printing machine specialist Koenig & Bauer AG, PowerCo will further develop and industrialize the Dry Coating procedure.

Thomas Schmall, Group Board Member for Technology at Volkswagen AG and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of PowerCo SE, said, “Technologies like Dry Coating showcase PowerCo’s technological prowess. We have the necessary know-how and the right experts to take cell production to a new level and offer significant cost advantages to our customers. Our objective is to establish an industrial production of sustainable and affordable batteries.”

To achieve this goal, PowerCo and Koenig & Bauer have signed a Joint Development Agreement. Together they will develop a roller press for powder coating electrodes at a large industrial scale. The Dry Coating procedure allows manufacturing electrodes without wet-coating and subsequently drying them at high costs. With the new procedure, the most energy-intensive part of cell manufacturing and the use of chemical solvents are no longer required. PowerCo is already testing and optimizing the technology in a pilot line in one of its laboratories in Northern Germany. As a printing specialist, Koenig & Bauer will develop a machine for the industrial powder coating.

According to PowerCo estimates, the new technology has the potential of saving about 30 percent of energy as well as 15 percent of required floor space, resulting in saving hundreds of millions of Euros each year. Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo SE, stated, “What the solid-state cell is to the product, Dry Coating is to production – a real game changer. If scaled successfully, it will give us a unique position on the market and definite competitive advantages.”

Powder instead of Slurry: Specifics of the Dry Coating Procedure

The electrodes (cathode and anode) are the “centerpiece” of the battery cell, defining energy density and battery performance. In modern industrial electrode production, the battery materials are mixed with additives and liquid solvents to form a slurry. Afterwards, they are coated onto foils of copper or aluminum, then dried and calendered.

PowerCo’s Dry Coating procedure allows for calendering the powdery basic materials directly onto the foil, similar to a printing procedure. As a result, two of the four process steps in electrode manufacturing become obsolete. The powder coating can be applied onto the foil in an extremely fine and even manner, resulting in a layer that is about as thin as a hair. This guarantees excellent spatial energy density and a long life cycle, while improving the fast-charging ability of the battery.

Breakthrough for Green Batteries

The new technology reduces the required floor space by 15 percent, which has an enormous saving potential. Per building block of a regular Gigafactory with a production capacity of 20 GWh, four parallel coating and drying lines can be saved, equaling an area of 7,000 square meters. As a result, the exterior length of the plant can be reduced by about 100 meters. Not having to operate the energy-intensive drying furnaces and suction systems will save energy equivalent to the annual consumption of 40,000 private households.

Furthermore, the use of chemical solvents that have to be laboriously recycled at high energy costs in silo-like towers outside the plants is no longer necessary.

Koenig & Bauer: Leading Printing Press Manufacturer Worldwide

As the oldest manufacturer of printing presses in the world, Koenig & Bauer offers the industry’s largest product portfolio. The core competency of our partner is the manufacturing of technologically innovative and cost-efficient printing systems. The new processing technology is expected to exit the development stage at the end of 2024. For the time after, exclusive rights have been agreed upon. The contractual details are confidential, and separate agreements have also been made. The estimated start of production is 2026/2027. PowerCo’s Chief Operation Officer Sebastian Wolf stated, “Our plants are designed for quick and easy retrofits. In total, we have anticipated about 30 foreseeable innovations in products and production, so we are able to adjust our plants to all relevant new processes as soon as they enter the market.”

The game changer in battery cell production: Dry Coating

The game changer in battery cell production: Dry Coating