Japanese juggernaut Toyota has set out on a joint venture with Mazda Motor Corporation and Denso Corporation, the latter being owned by Toyota, to develop basic structural technologies for future electric vehicles.
The goal is to develop the technology to be more cost effective whilst also having reduced lead times.
The result of this partnership has led to the establishment of a new company called EV Common Architecture Co. Ltd. This new company will focus on developing a diverse range of models, from mini-cars to light trucks and everything in between.
Toyota will retain a major share in the new company at 90 per cent with Mazda and Denso each having a five per cent stake. Around 40 employees, including selected engineers from the three companies, will be working for EV Common Architecture Co. Ltd.
The key focus of the new company will include:
- Research into the characteristics (common architecture) that define optimum performance and functions of EVs from the standpoint of both individual components and the whole vehicle
- Verification of component installation and vehicle performance realised by the characteristics achieved in item 1)
- Examination of the optimum concept for each car classification with regard to each component and each type of vehicle realized by achieving items 1) and 2).
Toyota claims the joint technological development project will ensure efficient development processes and take advantage of existing production facilities. As a result, Toyota and Mazda should be able to make appealing electric vehicles which retain the brands signature identities whilst avoiding the commoditization of electric vehicles.
Toyota is responding to new regulations emerging in different parts of the world which are targeted at the automotive industry and the claimed effects it has on greenhouse gases. Complying with these new policies, whilst growing the bottom line figures, requires the development of a diverse range of new powertrains and technologies.
In a statement from Toyota, it was said: "We regard electric vehicles (EVs) as a key technological field in this process alongside fuel-cell vehicles."
"With EVs yet to find widespread market acceptance, the huge investments and time required to cover all markets and vehicle segments is a pressing issue for individual automakers when responding to the widely varying demand for vehicles around the world.”
"The new company aims to innovate the development process by combining the strengths of each company, including Mazda's bundled product planning and prowess in computer modelling-based development, Denso's electronics technologies, and the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform."
"The new company aims to innovate the development process by combining the strengths of each company, including Mazda's bundled product planning and prowess in computer modelling-based development, Denso's electronics technologies, and the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform."
Toyota, Mazda and Denso have aimed to allow the business structure to remain open to other automakers and suppliers to join forces in the venture.
This is not the only joint venture Toyota and Mazda have embarked on either with the development of an electric car and advanced safety technologies already underway.
Although Toyota appears to be doing the heavy lifting here, this is an important step in the move to sustainable motoring. Manufacturers working together to improve the efficiency of EV development is the best way to make EV technology affordable to the mainstream.
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