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