DEVELOPING batteries to for electric planes to cross the Pacific Ocean.
This is the inspiration that revitalized a company now called Toyota Battery which was inaugurated last week. The wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corp., formerly known as Primearth EV Energy, is a key player in Toyota’s electrification efforts since the first-generation Prius.
At the inauguration ceremony, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda delivered a heartfelt speech that reflected on the legacy of his grandfather, Sakichi Toyoda, a renowned inventor. In 1925, it was him who offered a significant prize for the development of long-range batteries capable of flying an airplane across the Pacific Ocean. Although this ambitious goal remains unfulfilled, Toyoda emphasized the importance of Sakichi’s vision in inspiring future generations of inventors.
He said his grandfather was inspired by the powerful steam engines and machinery he saw at the National Industrial Exhibition in 1890. This encounter sparked a lifelong passion for harnessing “limitless power,” which led to the invention of the power loom and, ultimately, storage batteries.
According to Toyoda, Sakichi believed in the unlimited potential of the human mind and the power of innovation to overcome challenges. He saw batteries as a promising source of energy, particularly in Japan, where resources are scarce.
Toyoda also paid tribute to his father, Shoichiro Toyoda, who shared his grandfather’s passion for innovation and community engagement. The elder Toyoda established the Sakichi Toyoda Memorial House and supported the Kosai Young Inventors Club, fostering a culture of creativity and exploration.
“Creating something new means racking your brains, toiling, and losing yourself in the process. These moments are the ultimate pleasure. There is no greater joy or excitement than seeing someone enjoying or benefiting from a product that you worked hard to make. That’s what drives me to keep learning and striving to create something even better,” Toyoda said, echoing his father’s belief in the potential of future generations.
Toyoda highlighted the significance of batteries as a crucial component of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. He acknowledged the growing competition from Chinese and South Korean companies in the battery market and stressed the need for Japan to maintain its competitive edge in this field.
The establishment of Toyota Battery marks a new chapter in the company’s history. As a wholly-owned subsidiary, Toyota Battery will have greater flexibility to invest in research and development, expand its production capacity, and strengthen its supply chain. The company’s focus will be on producing high-quality batteries for a variety of Toyota vehicles, including hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
With the support of Toyota, Toyota Battery is well-positioned to become a global leader in battery technology. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns with Toyota’s broader vision of a more sustainable future.
Toyota Battery’s relaunch comes at a critical time for the automotive industry. As the world transitions to electric vehicles, the demand for high-performance, reliable batteries is increasing rapidly. Toyota Battery’s focus on innovation and quality positions the company to meet the growing needs of the market.
The company’s commitment to sustainability is also a key factor in its success. By investing in research and development of advanced battery technologies, Toyota Battery is helping to drive the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
