Toyota is partnering with ExxonMobil to research plug-in hybrids powered by low-carbon fuels.
A recently published short video by the two companies discusses collaborative efforts to reduce emissions, including low-carbon fuels developed by ExxonMobil that, according to the company, have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75% compared to conventional fuels.
Toyota is testing these fuels, as shown in the video, which features a plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime equipped with test equipment, operating on a dynamometer, and driven on what appears to be a test track. While the video states that these tests confirmed ExxonMobil’s low-carbon fuels are compatible with current vehicles, it does not specify which fuels were tested.
Toyota recently announced plans to extend the electric range of some of its plug-in hybrid models beyond 120 miles. Perhaps this is an attempt to further reduce emissions while adhering to the automaker’s strategy of continuing to develop multiple powertrain technologies rather than solely focusing on battery electric vehicles.
The partnership between Toyota and ExxonMobil dates back decades. A press release from Toyota 25 years ago noted that an alliance between the companies would target an “integrated research approach to develop hardware and fuel combinations that provide increased energy efficiency and reduced emissions.”
The history goes even further back. Exxon (as it was known then) researched hybrid cars in the 1970s, building a hybrid Cressida sedan with Toyota (one of two hybrid prototypes at that time), as well as a Chrysler Cordoba later.
ExxonMobil’s involvement with modern electric vehicles dates back to 2009 when it launched an effort called AltCar, using a fleet of electric vehicles in which the company even participated in the creation.
It remains to be seen how low-carbon fuels will fit into the emissions reduction puzzle. California proposed new allocations for renewable fuels last year, although some groups criticized the decision for potentially delaying the adoption of electric vehicles.
