Toyota Advances in the Automotive Battery Sector with Strategic Acquisition
In a major development within the automotive industry, Toyota Motor Corporation has taken a significant step to enhance its capabilities in the field of automotive batteries. The company has made a pivotal move by acquiring Primearth EV Energy (PEVE) from Panasonic, marking a notable transition in its approach to electrification and battery technology. This acquisition signifies Toyota’s commitment to bolstering its prowess in the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market.
The transition will see PEVE being rechristened as Toyota Battery from October 1, 2024. Despite the change in name and ownership, Toyota Battery’s operations will remain rooted in Kosei City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, ensuring continuity and stability in its operations and contributions to the automotive battery sector.
A Historical Collaboration Reforged
Toyota’s journey with PEVE commenced in 1996 when it was initially established as Panasonic EV Energy. At that time, Toyota only held a 40 percent stake in the venture, with Panasonic having the majority share of 60 percent. However, over the years, Toyota progressively increased its stake in the company, surpassing Panasonic by 2005 to hold a 60 percent share, eventually escalating its ownership to 80.5 percent in 2010, marking the transformation of Panasonic EV Energy into Primearth.
This acquisition is a culmination of a longstanding collaboration between Toyota and Panasonic, which transcended Primearth to establish Prime Planet Energy & Solutions in 2020. This joint venture focused on the development and production of automotive prismatic lithium-ion batteries, showcasing the synergistic relationship between the two giants in their pursuit of innovation in EV technology.
The New Horizon: Toyota Battery
Under its new identity, Toyota Battery is poised to become a cornerstone in Toyota’s electrification strategy by focusing on the production of batteries for Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). Toyota aims to leverage Toyota Battery’s expertise and production capabilities primarily for its fleet, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.
PEVE’s legacy of innovation and production excellence is highlighted by its notable contributions to the automotive battery market. The company has a rich history of supplying battery packs for HEVs and PHEVs not just to Toyota, but also to other leading automakers such as Honda and General Motors. Its product portfolio is extensive, featuring battery packs, modules, and Battery electronic control units (ECUs), with a notable milestone being the mass production of the EV-95 NiMH batteries in 1997.
Operating three manufacturing plants located in Shizuoka and Miyagi, PEVE, now Toyota Battery, has achieved an impressive accumulated production exceeding 9 million units as of 2016. This impressive figure underscores the company’s significant impact on the automotive battery market and its role in advancing electrification in the automotive industry.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Primearth EV Energy by Toyota and its subsequent renaming to Toyota Battery marks a strategic enhancement of Toyota’s capabilities in the electric vehicle marketplace. This move not only solidifies Toyota’s position as a leader in electrification but also ensures its active participation in the evolving landscape of automotive energy solutions. With a steadfast focus on innovation and sustainability, Toyota Battery is set to fuel Toyota’s journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable future of mobility.
