Explained: The Toyota Multi-Pathway ‘Decarbonisation’ Strategy

Toyota bZ4X BEV and Corolla Cross Hybrid HEV standing as case studies of each pathway.

Through previewing both the bZ4X and Camry Hybrid models this week, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is reiterating its commitment towards ‘decarbonisation’ in Malaysia. The key here is to provide a variety of low-carbon personal mobility solutions that meet the highly diverse needs of Malaysians.

In keeping with a tech-neutral, multi-pathway strategy, UMWT believes this is the best approach towards attaining carbon neutrality. The firm adds that the customer, not regulations, ultimately determines which drivetrain technology will lead towards a carbon neutral future.

Toyota believes in keeping to a tech-neutral, multi-pathway strategy is the best approach towards attaining carbon neutrality.

“Toyota customers come from a very diverse background, not just customers living in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, but also in East Malaysia. We believe in giving choices to customers. They will determine which green solution is best for them. We will continue to evaluate different options and introduce them as appropriate,” said Datuk Ravindran K.

Of course, much of this greatly depends the availability of relevant infrastructures in relations to their localities. To address this, UMWT is commitment to cover as many customer segments as possible by offering the best fit-for-purpose solutions with different powertrain types. On that note, here’s what we’ve garnered thus far.

HEVs

One such path is of course the Toyota brand’s staple THS (Toyota Hybrid System). This hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) tech first debuted  in 2009 in the first-gen Prius model, and it has greatly evolved since. To date, Toyota has shifted up to 18.1 million vehicles worldwide primed with this petrol-electric powertrain.

“For Malaysia, we believe HEVs are the most suitable for Malaysians, considering the fuel source of our electricity generation and availability of charging infrastructure outside city centres in the West coast of Peninsular Malaysia,” said UMWT President, Datuk Ravindran K.

A cut-out of the third-gen Prius HEV showcases the THS system in full.

Besides the combustion engine element (left), the THS suite includes Toyota's proprietary nickel-metal hydride battery tech (right).

UMWT further notes that Toyota HEVs have a proven history of reliability since 2009, which was when the third-gen Prius landed locally through the firm. It was later joined by smaller Prius c model too before both were axed due to unfavourable fully imported (CBU) incentives presented at the time.

After which, the previous-gen Camry Hybrid continued as the sole HEV offering before the recent arrival of the Corolla Cross Hybrid model. Altogether, UMWT has successfully shifted 35,700 THS-equipped HEV models in Malaysia, and the firm estimates these have annually decarbonise up to 500,000 KG of CO2.

Stats from UMWT reveal that THS-equipped HEVs like the Corolla Cross Hybrid, previous-gen Camry Hybrid, as well as the discontinued Prius and Prius c have decarbonise up to 500,000 KG of CO2 annually in Malaysia.

As an enclosed, series-parallel hybrid setup, THS isn’t dependent on a public charging infrastructure. At the same time, it promises immediate emission reductions without compromising on either driving practicality over distances or peace of mind.

On that note, the firm has also promised more HEV models will be introduced this year, and it seems the Camry Hybrid previewed during this showcase may just be the first of several. All signs point towards the new generation and TNGA-based Innova Zenix MPV making landfall too, which also boasts a hybrid variant.

BEVs

HEVs aside, UMWT also acknowledged the crucial role battery electric vehicles (BEVs) play towards decarbonisation as a whole. This is perhaps evident through preview of the bZ4X EV SUV model alongside the Camry Hybrid mentioned, with UMWT also promising its launch happening in “the near-term.”

UMWT has acknowledged BEVs playing key roles towards decarbonisation. In preparation of the bZ4X's arrival, the firm has already installed several EV charging stations on the premises of its Shah Alam HQ.

“To support the creation of a BEV-friendly ecosystem, UMWT will be supporting Malaysia’s goal of achieving 4,000 electric vehicle charging points by the end of this year,” said Toyota further regarding its plans surrounding EVs. However, it remains unclear presently as how the firm will offer its ‘support’ on this front.

Nevertheless, UMWT appears ready for BEVs, as proven by the dedicated EV charging stations the firm recently had installed on the premises of its Shah Alam headquarters.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell

Another path highlighted was hydrogen fuel cell tech. Toyota has already explored this path which led to the birth of the Mirai Hydrogen FCV in 2014. Since then, the tech is increasingly being widely considered as a potential fuel for the energy sector to decarbonise with.

A fleet of five second-gen Toyota Mirai FCVs were delivered by UMWT to both SEDC Energy and key Sarawak state government officials in January this year.

Spearheading hydrogen fuel cell tech development in Malaysia is the Sarawak state government via its Sarawak Energy arm. The latter successfully established the ASEAN region’s first ever integrated hydrogen production plant and refuelling station back in 2019.

UMWT supports this initiative too, having supplied a fleet of five of the latest (second) generation Mirai Hydrogen FCVs to pioneers SEDC Energy, as well as to key high-level officials withing the Sarawak state government including one to state premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, back in January this year.