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Toyota will roll out solid-state battery EVs globally in a couple of years

GANDHINAGAR, India — Japan's Toyota Motor will in a couple of years globally launch vehicles with solid-state batteries that charge faster and last longer, an executive said on Thursday at an investment summit in India. Solid-state batteries promise to dramatically improve the driving range of electric vehicles (EVs), a key element of a strategic pivot Toyota unveiled in June to make up ground lost to Tesla and Chinese rivals, such as BYD, in the EV race. Last year, Toyota and oil refiner Idemitsu Kosan said they would tie up to develop and mass produce all-solid-state batteries, which they aim to commercialize in 2027 and 2028, followed by full-scale mass production. "We will be rolling out our electric vehicles with solid state batteries in a couple of years from now," said Vikram Gulati, the India head of Toyota Kirloskar Motor. It "will be a vehicle which will be charging in 10 minutes, giving a range of 1,200 kms (750 miles) and life expectancy will be very good". Gulati was speaking at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit where one focus of the Indian government is attracting more investments to scale up EV manufacturing capacity in the world's third largest auto market. At the start of the summit on Wednesday, Japan's Suzuki Motor said its Indian subsidiary and Toyota partner Maruti Suzuki would export the group's first battery EV to Japan and Europe — marking the first time for Maruti to export to its parent company's home country. Electric models made up around 2% of India's car sales last year, but the government is targeting 30% by 2030 and India's road transport minister said at the summit he sees annual EV sales in India reaching 10 million vehicles by 2030. On Toyota's plans for solid-state batteries in India, Gulati said the carmaker had various sustainable technology options that would differ based on the country, market and customer preferences. "Right now, for India, flex fuel and ethanol can be a no-brainer right away," he added India's trade department has backed lowering taxes on hybrid vehicles to help the transition to cleaner energy sources, following demands by Japanese carmakers, Reuters has reported. Gulati said the Indian government should consider a carbon-based tax structure for cars, which would make it technologically agnostic and more equitable.  Green Lexus Suzuki Toyota Electric

Toyota's fuel pump recall now covers nearly 6 million vehicles globally

Toyota expanded a worldwide fuel pump recall to a total of 5.84 million vehicles for a defect that could cause the part to fail. In the United States, the total number of vehicles involved in this safety recall is now approximately 3.34 million vehicles. On January 13, 2020, Toyota announced a safety recall for 695,541 Lexus and Toyota models. In March of 2020, the Japanese automaker added an additional 1.1 million vehicles to the previous recall. Now, the largest Japanese automaker adds another 1.52 million U.S. vehicles to the recall that was first announced in January and covers numerous models built between July 2017 through September. Here is a full list of vehicles that are now included in the expanded recall: 2013-2015 Model Year Lexus LS 460; 2013-2015 Model Year Lexus GS 350; 2014 Model Year Toyota FJ Cruiser, Lexus IS-F; 2014-2015 Model Year Toyota 4Runner, Land Cruiser; Lexus GX 460, IS 350, LX 570; 2015 Model Year Lexus NX 200t, RC 350; 2017 Model Year Lexus IS 200t, RC 200t GS 200t; 2017-2019 Model Year Toyota Highlander; Lexus GS 350; 2017-2020 Model Year Toyota Sienna and Lexus RX 350 2018-2019 Model Year Toyota 4Runner, Land Cruiser; Lexus GS 300, GX 460, IS 300, IS 350, LS 500h, LX 570, NX 300, RC 300, RC 350; 2018-2020 Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra; Lexus ES 350, LC 500, LC 500h, LS 500, RX 350L 2019 Model Year Toyota Corolla Hatchback and Lexus UX 200 2019-2020 Model Year Toyota RAV4 Toyota said the vehicles that have a fuel pump that may stop operating and could result in a vehicle stall, and the vehicle may be unable to be restarted. Dealers will replace the fuel pump with an improved version. Toyota's customer support is available to owners with affected vehicles by calling the Toyota Brand Experience Center at 1 800 331-4331. Related Video: Recalls Lexus Toyota Truck Coupe Crossover SUV Sedan

2023 Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h get updated suspension system

Lexus is making a handful of changes to the LC for the 2023 model year. Again offered as a coupe and as a convertible, the firm's range topper gets an updated suspension system and a new paint color, among other changes, and it costs slightly more than the 2022 model. The most significant changes for 2023 are invisible to the naked eye. Lexus notes its engineers optimized the front and rear suspension to "enhance ground contact feel, linear steering response, and steering effectiveness in the high cornering G range." While the LC is more of a grand tourer than a track-ready sports car, these updates should make it more engaging to drive on a twisty road than the 2022 model. Buyers who prioritize handling can order an optional Sport Package that bundles a limited-slip differential, Yamaha performance dampers, performance brake pads, and Alcantara upholstery. While the package isn't new, it gains 21-inch forged alloy wheels for 2023. The only other visual change is a new color called Cloudburst Gray that Lexus charges $500 for. It bumps the number of available colors up to nine. Finally, every 2023 LC offers a 10-year subscription to the company's connected services. The drop-top LC also benefits from these updates, and it receives a lighter soft top as well as an optional feature called Climate Concierge that adds a few weeks to convertible season by keeping each passenger's upper body warm. The function can even direct warm or cold air to the back of the driver's hands. Lexus is not making mechanical changes to the LC for 2023. Power for the LC 500 comes from a naturally-aspirated, 5.0-liter V8 rated at 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. It spins the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission, and it sends the coupe from zero to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds. While that's the LC Convertible's only engine option, the coupe is also offered with a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain built around a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 and rated at 354 horsepower. It shifts through both a CVT and a four-speed automatic. The new model year also brings a small price increase: the LC now starts at $94,600 including a $1,150 destination charge. Pricing for the full range is as follows: LC 500: $94,600 ($475 more than in 2022) LC 500h: $100,600 ($475 more than in 2022) LC 500 Convertible: $102,650 ($475 more than in 2022) On sale now, the 2023 Lexus LC will begin arriving on dealer lots in November 2022.