Electric vehicles (EVs) are a critical component of the transition towards a low-carbon future, removing tonnes of carbon emissions that would otherwise be released by conventional vehicles. The ease and comfort of driving EVs, of course, are also factors that are attracting consumers.

As the world’s biggest car company, Toyota is redefining mobility paradigms globally amid this monumental shift in the transportation sector. The company set the bold goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, which is aligned with the increasing global focus on reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.

This ambition is communicated through Toyota’s “Beyond Zero” vision to not only achieve carbon neutrality with its products, services and operations, but also to find new ways to make a positive impact on the planet and society.

“This commitment is not just about providing vehicles; it’s about enhancing lives and fostering a sustainable future for communities worldwide,” says Datuk Ravindran K., president of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd. “Toyota’s commitment transcends conventional automotive paradigms, and we empower individuals and communities through cutting-edge mobility solutions.”

One of the ways in which Toyota does this is by offering a diverse range of eco-friendly options, including battery EVs (BEVs), hybrid EVs (HEVs), and fuel cell EVs (FCEVs). This approach underscores Toyota’s commitment to not just provide mobility solutions that are environmentally friendly, but are also practical and suitable for the needs of diverse communities.

“Toyota recognises that a one-size-fits-all approach to sustainable mobility is not feasible, considering the varied challenges and opportunities that different nations face. By championing a multi-pathway approach and embracing a diverse range of eco-friendly options, Toyota aims to tailor its holistic solutions to align with each country’s unique circumstances, national interests and sustainable development goals,” says Ravindran. “This approach allows Toyota to address specific challenges related to infrastructure, energy sources and consumer preferences in each market.”

It is not just in the products and services that Toyota aims to integrate sustainability principles. This is also implemented along the value chain and throughout the vehicles’ life cycle.

This commitment is illustrated through the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, which aims to minimise the environmental impact of its vehicles. There are six milestones towards the challenge that cover different aspects of Toyota’s operations.

The first challenge targets reducing global average carbon emissions during operation from new vehicles by 90% from Toyota’s 2010 global levels. The second aims to completely eliminate carbon emissions from the entire vehicle life cycle, while the third is about achieving zero emissions at all plants worldwide by 2050.

“Toyota seeks to completely eliminate carbon emissions not only while driving vehicles but throughout the entire vehicle life cycle, including materials and parts manufacturing and vehicle assembly, maintenance, disposal and recycling,” says Ravindran.

The fourth challenge requires Toyota to minimise water usage and implement water discharge management, based on individual local conditions, and the fifth involves establishing a recycling-based society and systems. This promotes the global deployment of end-of-life vehicle treatment and recycling technologies developed in Japan.

“Toyota has introduced the Eco Vehicle Assessment System to set and achieve environmental targets such as life cycle carbon emissions and recyclability, including at the development stage,” says Ravindran.

Last but not least, the sixth challenge aims to establish a future society in harmony with nature, involving nature conservation activities beyond the Toyota Group and its business partners to reach communities.

Toyota is also investing in EV-related technologies that are still developing and ahead of their time. These include connected technologies, autonomous driving, shared mobility solutions and electrification. The CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electric) philosophy is a series of initiatives by Toyota to emphasise this shift towards sustainable transportation globally.

For instance, Toyota invests in technologies that enable vehicles to communicate with each other and their surroundings, sharing real-time information. Meanwhile, advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and sensors are used to help vehicles navigate and make decisions without human intervention, leading to safer roads.

Making vehicles available for shared use contributes to more efficient and accessible transportation. Of course, to create further impact, Toyota is committed to the advancement in the electrification of the transportation industry.

The Woven City project was established to test these new mobility concepts and technologies, much like a “living laboratory” for experimentation. The prototype city will be a place where Toyota and its partners can test various solutions that can, ultimately, contribute to a better society.

Construction of the Woven City Phase 1 is underway and scheduled for completion in the summer of 2024. Following the completion of this phase, preparations will be made to begin initial trials in 2025.

In Malaysia, Toyota’s commitment is encapsulated in the “Move Your World” approach, which ensures global mobility innovations are seamlessly aligned with the distinctive needs and challenges of the country, and contribute to the nation’s progress.

The efforts are in line with the government’s energy transition, as outlined by the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap.

“We believe that mobility for all is a basic right for everyone. For this reason, our concept is based on three pillars: electrification, intelligence and diversification. By integrating these pillars, we are shaping a future where our mobility solution is not just for a few, but for all,” says Ravindran.

In February, the “Beyond Zero” event was held in Kuala Lumpur to showcase Toyota’s diverse range of eco-friendly vehicles, featuring its most advanced technologies and design elements to reduce environmental impact. This was a milestone for Toyota in Malaysia.

Other than that, the automaker also struck up a collaboration with the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation to develop hydrogen technology in the state.

The company has also implemented activities focused on inclusive community development in Malaysia, creating awareness through the Toyota Eco Youth programme. The initiative has garnered participation from 2,690 students across the nation. Held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the initiative educates the youth on environmental issues through on-the-ground projects.