Toyota Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor Corporation have commenced joint field tests of Toyota’s Sweep Energy Storage System at Mazda’s Hiroshima Plant in Japan. The initiative links the power system at Mazda’s headquarters—currently the only automaker-operated generation facility in Japan—with Toyota’s energy storage setup, which utilizes batteries removed from electrified vehicles. Both systems are managed through their respective energy management platforms to assess stable, high-quality, and efficient charging and discharging.
The trial aims to demonstrate the system’s capability to balance power supply and demand fluctuations inherent to renewable energy, such as solar and wind, based on weather conditions and time of day. By storing surplus energy and supplying it when generation dips, the technology is expected to support carbon neutrality goals and bolster grid reliability.
These tests also align with the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association’s (JAMA) initiative to address seven key industry challenges, including establishing a robust battery ecosystem. Toyota and Mazda seek to promote the sustainable reuse of electrified vehicle batteries in Japan, ensuring stable procurement of critical resources while fortifying supply chain resilience. This approach underpins efforts to reduce environmental impact and foster circular economy practices within the automotive sector.
Toyota’s Sweep Energy Storage System features rapid switching of power flow for individual battery units, accommodating new, degraded, or varying-capacity batteries without interrupting operation. This flexibility is critical for scalable deployments where battery condition and capacity can differ over time.
Looking ahead, both companies plan to extend their collaboration across the mobility industry. They intend to explore a multi-faceted strategy to achieve carbon neutrality, enhance competitiveness, and drive innovation in energy management and vehicle electrification. By combining expertise in vehicle manufacturing, power systems, and energy storage, Toyota and Mazda aim to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient automotive ecosystem.
Source: Toyota Newsroom
