Toyota Motor Corporation has recently announced it is making its patents and technical knowledge readily available in order to promote the widespread use of electrified vehicles. In an effort to combat rising emissions, while utilizing available technologies, Toyota hopes making their patents transparent will promote the rise of electric vehicles.
In total, Toyota will grant royalty-free licenses on almost 24,000 patents, including pending applications, for multiple vehicle electrification-related technologies. The company will also provide fee-based technical support to manufacturers developing and selling the integrated technologies when they use Toyota’s motors, batteries, PCUs, control ECUs, and other system technologies as part of their powertrain systems.
“Based on the high volume of inquiries we receive about our vehicle electrification systems from companies that recognize a need to popularize hybrid and other electrified vehicle technologies, we believe that now is the time for cooperation,” said Shigeki Terashi, Member of the Board and Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Corporation. “If the number of electrified vehicles accelerates significantly in the next 10 years, they will become standard, and we hope to play a role in supporting that process.”
Particularly, these technologies are found in hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) that can provide enhanced performance, and reduce overall size and cost. Specifically, the patents included offer information on electric motors, power control units, and system controls. These technologies can be used in HEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles.
The grant period will start as of now and last through the end of 2030. Contracts for the grants can be released by contacting Toyota, and discussing licensing terms and conditions.
Thus far, Toyota has offered 5,680 patents based on its fuel cell electric vehicles since 2015. Now, Toyota will add approximately 2,590 patents in relation to electric motors, 2,020 patents related to PCUs, 7,550 patents related to system controls, 1,320 engine transaxle patents, 2,200 charger patents, and 2,380 fuel cell patents.
With Toyota’s fee-based technical support, Toyota will offer assistance in fuel efficiency, output, and quietness fit for each individual vehicle.
Toyota hopes its royalty-free patents and technical support will encourage other companies to develop and introduce more electric vehicles worldwide. Additionally, they hope it will fight against climate change and reduce CO2 emissions.
