On June 28, GAC Toyota for the first time displayed the transformation achievements and forward-looking technology layout of the joint venture 2.0 era at its first Science and Technology Open Day, reflecting the profound accumulation of multi-path electrification technology and demonstrating its firm determination to promote the rapid leap in the level of intelligence.
In terms of electrification, the fifth-generation intelligent electric hybrid dual engine comprehensively leads the hybrid technology route with the "three ultimate balances", creating a "second choice in the hybrid era". The HEV, PHEV, EV, FCEV industry has the most complete path and multi-line parallelization, and the plug-in hybrid model that supports fast charging will be launched in China in October this year. Toyota's next-generation electrification technology, represented by all-solid-state batteries, has a clear mass production schedule, and the four major types of battery technologies are all in full swing, and the performance lithium battery is expected to be the first to land in 2026.
In terms of intelligence, GAC Toyota and Momenta have jointly created an end-to-end high-end intelligent driving system, and the first Platinum 3X model equipped with this technology is expected to be launched next year. At the same time, GAC Toyota and Pony.ai have carried out L4 autonomous driving commercial operation, and actively promoted the large-scale mass production of high-level autonomous driving technology. The next-generation intelligent cockpit empowered by Huawei and Tencent has been installed on the three flagship models. GAC Toyota will deepen local R&D, integrate China's scientific and technological resources, and strive to promote the continuous upgrading of intelligent cockpit and intelligent driving technology, and plans to be among the first echelon of the industry in 2026.
The intelligent electric hybrid dual engine leads the best technical route with the "three ultimate balances" and creates the era of "hybrid balance".
At this year's Science and Technology Open Day event, GAC Toyota focused on the most hardcore technology at the moment - the fifth-generation intelligent electric hybrid dual engine. At present, hybrid is one of the main outlets of electrification, and new hybrid routes are constantly emerging, and various brands are caught in a melee. Among them, the intelligent electric hybrid dual engine achieves comprehensive leadership with the "three ultimate balances", and the electric hybrid is stronger than the plug-in hybrid, achieving "the best choice in the hybrid era".
The first extreme equilibrium is the ultimate equilibrium of oil and electricity. The intelligent electric hybrid dual engine adopts the world's original planetary gear structure to achieve seamless connection between the two power outputs, without switching, and you can mix as you want, which is inherently intelligent. This native oil-electric balance structure is the biggest difference from other hybrids, bringing incomparable high performance and smoothness. Other hybrids are not oil-electricity balance in the underlying logic, they are mainly based on electricity at low speeds and oil-based at high speeds, so they cannot achieve long-term gasoline-electric co-drive, and oil and electricity are "inseparable". The intelligent electric hybrid dual engine can achieve accurate power distribution without going through the clutch, completely intelligently distribute power, and work seamlessly with oil and electricity, so the smoothness and reliability are better than those of plug-in hybrid vehicles using clutches.
The second balance is the ultimate balance of strong power and low fuel consumption. The first is ultra-low fuel consumption in the full-speed range. No matter how to drive at various speeds, it is low fuel consumption. The engine always operates in the high-efficiency range with different power requirements, and the fuel consumption is excellent. Taking the actual measurement of many media on the same road at the same time as an example, the fuel consumption performance of the Leiling hybrid model is always stable, whether it is driving in the city or at medium and high speeds, and the average fuel consumption of the whole journey of 150 kilometers is more than 4 liters, which is lower than that of the plug-in hybrid of the same level.
Secondly, the higher the speed, the more obvious the fuel consumption advantage. Under high-speed conditions of more than 120 kilometers per hour, the fuel consumption of Leiling hybrid is more than 4 liters per 100 kilometers, and the fuel consumption of plug-in hybrid is more than 5 liters at the same level, sometimes 20% higher. The excellent high-speed fuel consumption of the Leiling hybrid model is difficult to find in the same class of competing models.
Third, the actual fuel consumption under any working condition is lower than the nominal fuel consumption. The actual fuel consumption of intelligent electric hybrid models is lower than the nominal fuel consumption, and the difference in fuel consumption is within 10% under NEDC and WLTC working conditions, while the actual fuel consumption difference between the two working conditions of some plug-in hybrid models is close to 30% compared with the nominal fuel consumption difference, the reason is that it is difficult to effectively cooperate with oil, and the engine is mainly driven directly at high speed, and there is a short board of high speed and high fuel consumption.
Fourth, the full speed range has low fuel consumption and strong power at all speeds. The low speed is comparable to that of a tram, and the acceleration response is fast; The ninth-generation Camry 2.5L hybrid accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h in 4.1 seconds and 80-120 km/h in 4.71 seconds, which is significantly better than the plug-in hybrid in its class, and even at speeds of more than 120 km/h, it still has plenty of power, which is better than the plug-in hybrid model. The perfect balance between high power and low fuel consumption also benefits from the high thermal efficiency of the engine.
Compared with the 1.5L small displacement commonly used in plug-in hybrids, the ninth-generation Camry intelligent electric hybrid dual engine uses a 2.5L large-displacement engine, which has a higher R&D threshold and a more technical breakthrough in thermal efficiency. The high thermal efficiency of 41% covers the most commonly used speed range of 1400-3200 rpm and more than 40% of the working conditions, which is the widest range of thermal efficiency working range in the industry at present, and realizes fuel saving at high speed and low speed.
The third ultimate balance is the ultimate balance between performance and security. The fifth-generation intelligent electric hybrid dual engine uses a small battery with a capacity of only 1.12 degrees, and the battery management strategy of shallow charging and discharging greatly improves the safety of the battery, without the risk of spontaneous combustion, and the safety is far better than that of plug-in hybrid. The cumulative sales of 26 million vehicles worldwide have zero fires, zero explosions, and zero leaks, and the 1.5 million kilometers of taxi travel in the hybrid system without failure, which is a strong proof of the excellence of safety and reliability. At the same time, thanks to the small battery and overall lightweight design, all GAC Toyota hybrid models have achieved excellent braking performance, with the best braking distance of only 33 meters, while some plug-in hybrid models have a braking distance of more than 40 meters per 100 kilometers.
Overall, the intelligent electric hybrid dual engine has achieved a comprehensive balance between the book parameters and the actual performance. It does not simply rely on the motor or engine direct drive, but pursues the synergistic balance of oil and electricity power at any time; It is not to be satisfied with the limit data of the laboratory, but to pursue efficient work under all working conditions; It is not to be satisfied with exaggerated values under a single working condition, but to pursue continuous fuel economy in actual driving; It doesn't sacrifice safety for performance, it strives for the perfect balance of both. With the advantages of extreme balance, it has achieved a deep satisfaction of the user experience, and the intelligent electric hybrid dual engine leads the mainstream route of electrification, which can be called "the best choice in the hybrid era".
All-solid-state batteries have a timetable for the market Toyota's next-generation electric vehicles will be the first to land in 2026
At the event, Toyota announced the progress of next-generation electrification technology, including high-performance lithium-ion batteries, popular lithium iron phosphate batteries, high-performance lithium-ion batteries, and all-solid-state batteries, which will be launched in the market from 2026.
The fastest new generation of batteries to land is a performance lithium battery, which is expected to be launched in 2026, with a range of more than 1,000 kilometers, a storage capacity from 10% to 80%, and a fast charge of only 20 minutes. Expected to be launched in 2026-2027, the popular lithium iron phosphate battery makes use of the bipolar technology used in Toyota's first HEV model nickel-metal hydride battery, with high-quality lithium iron phosphate material as the core, which can achieve a range of 600 kilometers, 10% to 80% power, and a fast charging time of less than 30 minutes. The high-performance lithium-ion battery, which is expected to be launched in 2027-2028, combines a bipolar structure with lithium-ion chemistry and a high-nickel cathode to further improve performance, with a range of more than 1,000 kilometers and a fast charging time of less than 20 minutes.
The most anticipated black technology is undoubtedly the all-solid-state battery, which is currently being launched in 2027-2028 with the goal of fully promoting the research and development work. The battery uses a solid-state electrolyte that allows ions to move faster, and is resistant to high pressures and less affected by temperature. Based on these characteristics, all-solid-state batteries are suitable for fast charging and discharging, and will overcome the problem of battery life degradation. Combined with aerodynamic improvements and lightweight design, models equipped with solid-state batteries will have a range of more than 1,000 kilometers and a fast charge of just 10 minutes.
Toyota plans to launch 10 new electrified models by 2026 and has set a target of 1.5 million electric vehicles per year by 2026. The next generation of electric vehicles will debut in 2026. The company aims to sell 3.5 million electric vehicles by 2030, of which 1.7 million will be next-generation electric vehicles.
Toyota continues to promote its all-round electrification strategy, and is developing multiple routes for HEVs, PHEVs, EVs, and FCEVs. The plug-in hybrid model with fast charging will be launched in China in October this year. At the same time, Toyota is also actively working on next-generation engines that are more suitable for electrified models, and will apply them to PHEVs and HEVs. The next generation of engines will help improve the vehicle's sporty performance while maintaining high power and efficiency, while being smaller and with a lower center of gravity. By reducing vehicle driving resistance, the driving force control, engine and electric unit performance are maximized, and the range is further improved.
The new intelligent cockpit, end-to-end high-end intelligent driving, will be among the first echelon of intelligence in 2026
At the event site of the Science and Technology Open Day, GAC Toyota gathered a circle of friends in science and technology, showing a comprehensive and powerful intelligent technology layout. There are not only new intelligent cockpits empowered by Huawei and Tencent, but also high-end intelligent driving technologies supported by Momenta and Pony.ai. With the continuous deepening of the local R&D system and the active integration of China's superior resources, GAC Toyota is promoting the continuous improvement of the level of intelligent cockpit and intelligent driving technology, and plans to lead the joint venture camp in 2025, keep up with the new forces, and rank among the first echelon of the industry from 2026 to 2027.
In terms of intelligent driving, GAC Toyota and Momenta, a leading autonomous driving technology company, have created end-to-end high-end intelligent driving technology, which will first be equipped on the Bozhi 3X model. With the support of AI technology, this high-end intelligent driving solution gives users a safer and more reliable full-scene intelligent driving experience. At the hardware level, based on NVIDIA's 254TOPS computing platform, the vehicle is equipped with 11 ultra-high-precision cameras, 5 millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic radars and 1 lidar (126 lines), providing 360-degree global perception and sufficient vehicle-end computing power. At the algorithm level, based on Momenta's data flywheel technology, through massive mass production data reflow, self-learning, rapid iteration, and continuous over-the-air (OTA) performance ceiling. This solution uses version 5.0 of Momenta's most advanced algorithm, and the end-to-end intelligent driving model is analogous to human intelligence, allowing the car to "understand" the world, think like a human, and finally achieve a driving experience that is close to or even surpasses that of a human veteran driver. This intelligent driving system will provide a full-scene high-end intelligent driving experience covering parking, highways, and urban NOA, realizing that "you can open a road, avoid obstacles, and park if you have a position".
At the same time, GAC Toyota and Pony.ai have cooperated to carry out the commercial operation of L4 driverless taxis to promote the large-scale mass production of high-level autonomous driving technology. Equipped with Pony.ai's autonomous driving system, the Saina fully unmanned Robotaxi integrates the world's first automotive-grade hardware and multiple safety redundancy design, and has been in continuous operation for 1 year, with zero accidents, and has accumulated rich experience in intelligent driving. A few days ago, the joint venture company jointly funded by Toyota China, GAC Toyota and Pony.ai has been officially established, and the first phase plans to launch 1,000 units of the Bozhi series L4 Robotaxi in first-tier cities to carry out large-scale operation. In the autonomous driving track, Pony.ai is the first player to put Robotaxi into commercial operation, has leading technical strength, and has obtained L4 autonomous driving road test permits in many first-tier cities in China.
In terms of intelligent cockpit, GAC Toyota relies on the empowerment of top technology manufacturers such as Huawei and Tencent to upgrade the Chinese cabin for global cars, bringing the world's best model version to Chinese users. The ninth-generation Camry, the 2024 Seina, and Highlander flagship models launched this year are based on Huawei's HMS for Car in-vehicle solution to create full-scene interconnection between people, vehicles, and homes.
With the launch of the C-segment electric sedan to be launched in 2025, GAC Toyota will carry out more comprehensive cooperation with Huawei in the field of intelligent cockpits. The mid-size pure electric SUV Platinum 3X, equipped with Momenta's end-to-end high-end intelligent driving solution, has already started road testing. These two locally developed joint venture platform pure electric vehicles uphold Toyota's global quality standards and integrate China's smart technology, representing the acceleration of the arrival of a new era of "Guangfeng Creation".
After 20 years of development, GAC Toyota has achieved the advancement from "production in China" to "research in China", and has the ability to upgrade the new generation models in China, strengthen the products of the new model year quickly and flexibly, and fully develop the new joint venture car in China. Now, the local development team of GAC Toyota is deeply involved in each of the models launched by GAC Toyota and provides the best solution based on the needs of Chinese users.
GAC Toyota held the Science and Technology Open Day for the first time in its 20 years since its establishment, which not only showcased a series of hard-core technologies with bright spots, but also demonstrated GAC Toyota's strength and determination to accelerate transformation and change. Under the tide of the era of intelligent electricity, GAC Toyota actively embraces change, takes the lead in the iterative transformation to the joint venture 2.0 of "integration and co-creation", accelerates the formation of new technological competitiveness, and is determined to realize the new blueprint of the era of intelligent electricity!