New Atlas

Automotive Audio available

Toyota unveils latest heavy-duty electric fuel-cell truck to haul cargo around LA

David Szondy April 22, 2019

The latest version of Toyota's zero-emissions fuel-cell powered tractor truck was unveiled today in Los Angeles. The Fuel Cell Electric heavy-duty Truck (FCET) that runs on hydrogen and produces only water as waste is intended to meet or exceed the performance of a conventional diesel truck.

The 2019 Portal Project FCET is based on the earlier Alpha and Beta trucks

Automotive

Toyota unveils new 2020 Highlander crossover in New York

Aaron Turpen April 17, 2019

At the New York Auto Show, Toyota has unveiled an all-new rendition of the Highlander crossover-SUV. The Highlander is one of Toyota's best-selling products in North America, and now enters its fourth generation with better fuel economy and more standard features.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander marks the fourth generation of the three-row crossover

Automotive

Toyota breaks out two battery electric vehicles for Chinese market

Aaron Turpen April 16, 2019

Toyota has taken the wraps off two battery electric vehicles (BEVs) at the Shanghai Auto Show this week. Due to hit showrooms in 2020, both the C-HR and IZOA are aimed at the Chinese market and will be the first BEVs to launch in China under the Toyota brand.

The debut of the battery electric C-HR and IZOA vehicles marks the beginning of Toyota’s plans ...

Automotive Audio available

Toyota offers free access to over 20 years of electric vehicle patents

Paul Ridden April 3, 2019

Almost 5 years after Elon Musk allowed other manufacturers access to Tesla patents without fear of legal action – effectively making them open source – Toyota has announced that it's opening up its vehicle electrification patents to help speed up the development and adoption of electric vehicles.

Manufacturer are being given royalty-free access to almost 24,000 Toyota patents relating to vehicle electrification development

Energy

AI slashes time needed to accurately predict cycle life of batteries

David Szondy March 31, 2019

Batteries have become much more efficient, but gauging their service life is still extremely difficult and time-consuming. To better predict how long a battery will last, MIT and Toyota have teamed up to employ artificial intelligence to accurately determine battery life without years of testing.

Machine learning can reduce the testing time needed for new batteries by years

Robotics Audio available

Robots lined up to help out spectators at 2020 Olympics

Paul Ridden March 15, 2019

The Organising Committee for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo has revealed the first Tokyo 2020 Robot Project helpers, which will assist spectators in wheelchairs to ensure they have "an experience they are unlikely to forget."

Toyota's Human Support Robots and Delivery Assist Robots are the first robot helpers to be confirmed ...

Automotive

The 100 most interesting cars at the 2019 Amelia Island Auctions

Mike Hanlon March 12, 2019

The 2019 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance continued to grow in stature this year, but it was the symbiotic cluster of elite auctions that threw up the most interesting results. The collector car market is undergoing generational change, attracting a younger clientele driving prices below $500,000.

A bird's eye view of the RM Sotheby's marquee at the Ritz-Carlton. RM-Sotheby's is the official ...

Space

JAXA and Toyota team up on manned Moon rover concept with 10,000-km range

David Szondy March 12, 2019

JAXA and Toyota have announced that they have agreed to a joint study of the concept for a manned lunar rover for long-range Moon exploration. With a range of 10,000 km (6,200 mi), the rover would be about the size of two minibuses and could carry two passengers, or up to four in an emergency.

Artist's concept of the JASA/Toyota lunar rover

Automotive Audio available

Bi-fuel hybrid camper van drives 1,000 miles and camps on pure battery power

C.C. Weiss February 22, 2019

The hybrid Eco Explorer camper van offers efficient driving and a self-charging battery system to keep the lights on. An LPG option gives it three drive-power sources and up to 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of range, while a deconstructed kitchen and sliding bench make it an everyday driver.

The cozy, little Eco Explorer can seat and sleep five, cook dinner and provide sheltered relaxation ...

Automotive Review

Review: 2019 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is worth the premium

Aaron Turpen February 20, 2019

Toyota completely redesigned the Avalon Hybrid for the 2019 model year, giving it new bodywork, a new face, and a better interior. These cosmetic differences just get started, though, with the Avalon also seeing significant changes to its chassis and hybrid powertrain. Which prove the hybrid out.

The 2019 Toyota Avalon Hybrid has three things going for it: the Toyota nameplate, a huge ...