Sustainability, renewable and clean are the latest buzzwords in today’s automotive landscape. The move to have guilt-free motoring is the goal the entire industry is pushing for. UMW Toyota, aligning with Toyota Motor Corporation’s global pursuit of Carbon Neutrality by 2050, showcased the vehicles that will move the company closer towards its goal. The showcase, called Beyond Zero, took place in Technology Park Malaysia from 20 to 28 February 2024. Stakeholders from the government and related industries, as well as members of the public, attended the event.
The Beyond Zero showcased the carmaker’s diverse approach with various electrified solutions, namely the Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Battery Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles. These vehicles feature advanced technologies and design elements aimed at reducing environmental impact.
POSITIVE IMPACT WITH PROVEN HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
Hybrid Electric Vehicles, UMW Toyota’s pillar of mass electrification has a significant presence in the Malaysian market. With a history of proven reliability on Malaysian roads since 2009 and globally since 1997, UMW Totoya has sold 41,600 HEVs since 2009, which translates into commendable decarbonisation effects of approximately 150,000 tons of CO2 absorption equivalent to 500,000 trees.
Their ability to reduce CO2 significantly without any need for infrastructure investment or change in the behaviour of customers, allows them to be the optimal solution to gain scale for electrification for the masses.
BEV AND FCEV TAKE ELECTRIFICATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL
In addition to HEVs, UMWT presented for the first time ever, Battery Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, including showcasing the Lexus RZ, bZ4x, Hilux BEV and the C+pod. A unique two-seater, the ultra-compact C+pod was highlighted as a mobility solution to enhance per-person energy efficiency in an urban environment.
On the other side of the aisle, the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle showcased were the Toyota Mirai FCEV, GranAce FCEV and Corolla Cross H2 Concept. The SORA bus was another highlight at the showcase. SORA, which stands for Sky, Ocean, River and Air, is fuelled by hydrogen fuel cells.
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles use hydrogen gas stored in hydrogen tanks. Electricity is generated through the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell stack. The process also creates water without the polluting gasses that usually come from conventional fuel. Refuelling takes ten minutes or less and it has a significantly longer driving distance. Toyota has significantly invested in Fuel Cell technologies for more than 30 years.
HEV, BEV and FCEV showcased at the Beyond Zero event highlight Toyota’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation that fosters a green, low-carbon ecosystem for all Malaysian citizens. This also marks a significant milestone in UMW Toyota Motor’s journey towards sustainable mobility.
