In the heart of Japan's industrial hub, Toyota is orchestrating a transformation in its manufacturing approach to bridge the gap in battery electric vehicles (EVs). Building on its renowned lean production methods, the world's leading automaker is blending new technologies with time-tested practices to eliminate inefficiencies and streamline costs. During a recent plant tour in central Japan, Toyota unveiled a series of groundbreaking advancements, some revealed to the public for the first time. Among these innovations is a technique for crafting high-gloss bumpers devoid of paint. This process involves meticulously hand-polishing the mold to a mirror-like finish, imparting a stunning sheen to the bumper. In another stride forward, aging machinery, in service for over three decades, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Through the integration of robotics and 3D modeling, these units can now operate around the clock, including nights and weekends, resulting in a threef...

Toyota Motor Corp. is planning to launch electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with all-solid-state batteries in 2027-28. These next-generation batteries are expected to enhance EV range and shorten charging times, positioning Toyota to compete more effectively in the EV market currently dominated by Tesla Inc. Unlike the lithium-ion batteries commonly used in EVs and electrical devices, all-solid-state batteries utilize solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones. This new technology offers numerous benefits, including high-power output, extended range, rapid charging times, and potential for miniaturization. However, there are challenges that need to be addressed, such as the limited lifespan of these batteries and the requirement to mass produce them at a low cost.   Toyota's BEV Factory, an electric vehicle-focused unit, will be responsible for integrating these batteries into its upcoming vehicle models. The company's goal is to develop EVs that can be fully charged in unde...

Toyota Motor Corp. announced on Wednesday its plans to commence the production of electric vehicles (EVs) at its factory in Kentucky, USA, starting in 2025. As part of this initiative, the company will invest an additional $2.1 billion in battery production. The Kentucky plant will serve as Toyota's first EV production facility in the United States, the world's largest economy, and will focus on manufacturing three-row electric sport utility vehicles. In conjunction with this development, Toyota will bolster production capacity at a new battery factory currently under construction in North Carolina. The North Carolina facility is slated to begin producing batteries for both hybrid cars and EVs from 2025. With the latest investment, Toyota's total funding for the North Carolina factory will amount to $5.9 billion.   This announcement aligns with the increased emphasis by the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden on global automakers to manufacture all-electric veh...