Toyota and Lexus Partner with WattTime to Launch Low-Emission EV Charging Program

Toyota is partnering with WattTime to give customers of eligible Toyota and Lexus vehicles access to data on the health and environmental effects of charging at different times. This information will be provided through the Toyota and Lexus apps, using the Remote Connect feature, allowing customers to use the ECO Charging feature to choose the best times to charge their vehicles. This will empower customers to make more informed decisions and help reduce emissions from power plants, benefiting both human health and the environment.

“With the integration of WattTime data in the Toyota and Lexus apps, we are providing customers an easy and accessible way to identify times when they can charge their vehicle that help reduce environmental impact,” said Steve Basra, group vice president, Connected Technologies, Toyota Motor North America. “The Toyota and Lexus apps offer a seamless and simple solution for our customers, and we’re confident this will enhance their electrified vehicle ownership experience.”

WattTime is a nonprofit organization established in 2014 that offers data on the most environmentally friendly times to access electricity from the grid to various stakeholders, including power utilities and individual users. As part of its partnership with Toyota, it will provide Toyota customers with additional information on the health effects of charging their vehicles. This data will allow customers to create charging schedules that can minimize the negative health impacts of the electricity they use. Toyota will be the exclusive auto manufacturer to offer this feature to its customers.

“Our electrified vehicle customers select our vehicles not only to enjoy a best-in-class customer experience, but also to make a positive impact on our environment and society,” said James George, general manager, Toyota EV Charging Solutions. “We will continue to provide solutions both now and in the future in support of Toyota’s goal of creating a carbon neutral society.”

“With the help of WattTime data, Toyota and Lexus have pioneered a feature in their phone apps to help customers identify when they can charge their electric vehicle with electricity coming from some of the cleanest power plant options available,” said Gavin McCormick, executive director of WattTime. “It’s a powerful step to protect the planet – and everyone on it.”

Customers who own eligible Toyota or Lexus vehicles can opt-in to the Remote Connect service through the Toyota or Lexus app. They can download the app and register their vehicle, and then choose to use the ECO Charging feature. The feature will use the forecast data from WattTime and combine it with the customer’s charging and mobility needs to create a charging schedule, which will be presented to them in the app. By using this data, customers can optimize their charging schedule to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize the impact on health. The feature is available now on the Toyota and Lexus apps, which can be downloaded on iPhone or Android smartphones. In addition, Toyota has launched the bZ4X BEV crossover, and Lexus will be launching the RZ 450e BEV early this year. Toyota and Lexus also offer PHEV options in the Prius Prime, RAV4 Prime, NX 450h+, and the forthcoming RX 450h+.