Categories
New Toyota Vehicle

5 Reasons Why You Should Consider an Electric Vehicle

As gas prices continue to rise with no end in sight, the appeal of electric vehicles is growing stronger with each passing day. Whether you have a short drive to work or an hourslong commute, chances are you are feeling the squeeze of surging fuel prices. Fret not, as there is a solution — an electric vehicle! That’s right, electric vehicles are the best alternative to skyrocketing gas prices and they’re environmentally friendly too.

While there are a number of reasons to purchase an electric vehicle in 2022, in this blog we’re going to list the five best reasons you should. Whether you’re budget conscious and looking for an alternative to these growing gas prices or you’re environmentally aware and looking for a way to benefit the earth, switching to an electric vehicle is one of the best decisions you stand to make. Gas prices aren’t going down any time soon, so don’t wait another minute, make the switch to an EV today.

Tax Incentives

One of the many reasons you may want to make the switch to an EV are the potential tax incentives you may qualify for from federal, local or state government. In attempts to draw the public away from fossil-fueled engines, the U.S. government has begun to offer tax incentives to help subsidize the cost of electric vehicles. Aiming for a population fully reliant on EVs, the U.S. government is offering a fairly large tax credit ranging from $2,500-7,500 for owners of hybrid and electric vehicles.

Some states and local governments may also offer tax incentives or programs for EV owners, such as California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP). This program gives rebate savings directly to owners/lessees of qualifying electric vehicles, making them far more attractive to buy as opposed to a traditional internal combustion engine. If you want to find out more about your local and state government rebates and incentives for electric vehicles, all you have to do is visit their website for more info.

With so many rebates and incentives available, it is no surprise that there has been a major shift to electric vehicles by both consumers and automakers alike. Are you ready to save cash while saving the environment? If so, its time to stop by Toyota of Abilene and make the switch to an electric vehicle today.

More Affordable to Drive

Yet another great reason to switch to electric vehicles — they are far more affordable to drive than your traditional internal combustion engine. The cost of owning an electric vehicle is largely reduced due to it not needing any fuel or the regular maintenance a traditional internal combustion engine requires. In addition to not needing fuel, electric motors have far fewer moving parts than an internal combustion engine and do not require any oil changes.

Another reason EVs are more affordable is their use of regenerative braking. Regenerative braking uses the electric motor to slow down the vehicle, which lengthens the lifespan of your brake pads while also charging your EV batteries. This not only saves you from spending on brake pads, but it also keeps you from having to hit the charging station as well — saving you both time and money.

If you’re looking for a good reason to make the switch to an electric vehicle, all you have to do is look at your wallet. Whether it’s savings at the pump or at the mechanic, making the switch to an electric vehicle puts more money in your pocket while reducing your carbon footprint. Reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and the oil industry, make the switch to an electric vehicle — available here at Toyota of Abilene today.

Surprisingly Sporty Performance

Do you enjoy sporty performance each time you get behind the wheel? Then an electric vehicle is for you! Unlike regular engines, electric motors provide near-instantaneous torque when you step on the pedal. This allows you to experience the thrill of going 0 to 60 MPH in mere seconds, without putting a huge dent in your wallet.

Electric vehicles also boast incredible handling capabilities thanks to their lower center of gravity and impeccable weight distribution. Most EVs are designed with a battery pack positioned in the center of the vehicle, which increases handling, stability and cornering while also minimizing the potential for rollovers.

You don’t need a car with four rings or a horse on the front to enjoy a sporty driving experience — all you need is an electric vehicle!

Better Safety

Driving a car down a public road comes with it’s own set of hazards — hazards we typically tend to accept without even a second thought. When you really think about it, hurling down the road in a few tons of metal filled with a flammable liquid probably is not the best idea and is frankly, a bit anxiety-inducing.

Electric vehicles may not be the perfect answer when it comes to safety. However, they are far safer than a traditional car, truck or SUV that uses an internal combustion engine. Wondering how that is possible? It’s simple — electric vehicles don’t use gas and contain fewer components than traditional vehicles.

Being that electric vehicles have fewer components than traditional vehicles, manufacturers are able to approach vehicle design in a new manner. This new approach has led to improved crumple zones, stronger body design and improved overall safety. Remember the mention of battery packs in EVs being located in the center of the vehicle? That also provides extra safety as it lowers the EVs center of gravity and removes the use of gas, a very flammable substance.

Are you ready for a phenomenal driving experience but want peace of mind, knowing you and your family are safe? Then you need to make the switch to an electric vehicle today! Electric vehicles aren’t just better for the environment, they’re safer to drive as well.

Great for the Environment

One of the more obvious reasons behind buying an electric vehicle is the impact — or lack thereof — that they have on the environment. While internal combustion engines are gas-powered and require regular oil changes to operate, electric vehicles feature an electric motor that doesn’t need fuel or oil to run. This means not only will you save money on fuel and oil changes, but you’ll also be helping out the environment too.

The rise of electric vehicles has also sparked a rise in the use of solar panels in homes throughout the United States. Solar panels are great, they allow you to harness the sun’s energy and use it in lieu of traditional fossil fuels that harm the environment. Many owners of EVs are now installing solar panels on their homes in order to reduce their electricity bill — and further reduce their carbon footprint.

If you want to do your part in helping the environment, buying an EV is a great way to do so. Electric vehicles don’t need oil changes, don’t need gas and can even be charged up using solar power. Are you environmentally conscious? If so, then you need to switch to an electric vehicle as soon as possible.

Are You Ready?

Now that you’ve read through the top five reasons to purchase an electric vehicle, are you ready to make the switch? If so, then Toyota of Abilene is here to help. Here at Toyota of Abilene, we don’t just have Abilene’s best selection of new and used vehicles — we have the largest selection of electric vehicles too! If you want to eliminate your gas expense and reduce your carbon footprint then you need to stop by Toyota of Abilene and purchase your first EV today.

Categories
Toyota News

Toyota to Provide bZ4X Customers with DC Fast Charger Access Through EVgo

Toyota to Provide bZ4X Customers with DC Fast Charger Access Through EVgo                                

Customers to receive one year of unlimited complimentary and convenient charging at EVgo stations nationwide*

PLANO, Texas (Feb. 24, 2022) – When the 2023 Toyota bZ4X battery electric SUV arrives at dealers later this year, it will come with more than just stylish looks and emissions-free utility. The all-new EV will also mark the start of a collaboration between Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) and EVgo to provide new bZ4X customers with on-the-go access to DC fast charging stations. EVgo’s high-powered chargers provide EV drivers both flexibility and convenience to quickly charge at prime locations, such as frequently visited grocery stores, shopping centers and central downtown areas, allowing drivers to travel and charge with minimal downtime and aligning with their break, shopping, eating or errand time.

Customers who purchase or lease a new 2023 Toyota bZ4X will get one year of unlimited complimentary charging at all EVgo-owned and operated public charging stations nationwide. Customers will be able to use the Toyota App on their mobile device to sign up for this offer, locate EVgo stations and initiate complimentary charging for their new bZ4X.

“The arrival of our all-electric bZ4X marks an important step in our commitment towards electrifying 70% of our fleet by 2030. We want our bZ4X customers to enjoy a high-quality ownership experience that is as seamless and worry-free as possible,” said Christopher Yang, vice president, EV Charging Solutions, Toyota Motor North America. “Collaborating with EVgo, the nation’s largest public fast charging network, will help provide bZ4X owners with access to a fast, reliable charge where and when they need it.”

With more than 800 DC fast charging locations and thousands of Level 2 charging stations, EVgo’s charging network serves over 68 metropolitan areas across 35 states. The EVgo network is powered by 100% renewable energy.

“EVgo is thrilled to collaborate with Toyota on bringing accessible and convenient fast charging to new EV drivers with the bZ4X,” said Jonathan Levy, EVgo Chief Commercial Officer. “Toyota’s scale and EVgo’s track record of leadership in clean transportation will help make it easier for even more drivers to go electric.”

When it goes on sale, the 2023 Toyota bZ4X will offer consumers a battery-electric option that combines Toyota’s legendary reputation for quality and reliability with the performance and practicality they expect in a modern SUV.

“This is just the beginning of Toyota’s next-generation battery electric vehicle products that will join our existing portfolio of electrified vehicle options and will drive our progress toward carbon neutrality,” said Yang.

*Non-transferable; excludes commercial, fraudulent, abusive, and other unpermitted or unforeseen uses.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands plus our 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 in North America and has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants.  By 2025, the company’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.  Toyota has more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, with electrified vehicles comprising more than a quarter of our 2021 North American sales.

Through its Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit pressroom.toyota.com.

About EVgo

EVgo (Nasdaq: EVGO) is the nation’s largest public fast charging network for electric vehicles, and the first to be powered by 100% renewable energy. With more than 800 fast charging locations, EVgo’s owned and operated charging network serves over 68 metropolitan areas across 35 states and more than 310,000 customer accounts. Founded in 2010, EVgo leads the way on transportation electrification, partnering with automakers; fleet and rideshare operators; retail hosts such as hotels, shopping centers, gas stations and parking lot operators; and other stakeholders to deploy advanced charging technology to expand network availability and make it easier for drivers across the U.S. to enjoy the benefits of driving an EV. As a charging technology first mover, EVgo works closely with business and government leaders to accelerate the ubiquitous adoption of EVs by providing a reliable and convenient charging experience close to where drivers live, work and play, whether for a daily commute or a commercial fleet.

Source Article: Toyota Newsroom

Categories
Toyota News

The 2022 Toyota Mirai Ups Future Tech with New Toyota Teammate™ Advanced Driver Assistance 

  • Toyota Teammate™ Advanced Drive Executes Acceleration, Braking, and Steering Under Active Driver Supervision (available on Limited grade)
  • Striking, Elegant Coupe on Premium RWD Platform
  • Up to EPA Estimated 402 Miles of Range on XLE grade
  • Up to $15,000 of Hydrogen Fuel Included with Mirai Purchase or Lease

PLANO, Texas (March 10, 2022) – Toyota’s second-generation Mirai, a premium rear-wheel drive luxury fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) with striking coupe-like design, makes another leap into the future of driving with available Toyota Teammate™ advanced driver assistance technology for model year 2022.

Toyota Teammate is built around the philosophy that people and vehicles can work in partnership to achieve safe, convenient and efficient mobility. Toyota Teammate, available on the 2022 Mirai Limited grade, provides two functions: Advanced Drive and Advanced Park. Mirai Limited will feature standard Advanced Park, while Advanced Drive will be available as a purchased upgrade.

The first-generation Mirai (2016-2020) was the first production FCEV offered for sale to retail customers in North America. This second-generation Mirai is a complete reboot from the first generation, with a stunning design that doesn’t quit, more engaging driving performance, a zero emission range of 402 EPA-estimated miles on the Mirai XLE (previous EPA rating of 312 miles) and technology that brings the future of mobility to the present.

Toyota Teammate Steps Up to the Plate

Toyota Teammate’s Advanced Drive function is designed to support drivers by accurately detecting driving conditions to plan and execute acceleration, braking and steering commands under active supervision of the driver. It can also maintain the vehicle within the lane, follow other vehicles, change lanes, navigate certain interchanges and traffic jams and overtake slower vehicles.

Advanced Drive is classified as a Level 2 system as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers International (SAE), where the driver continues to perform part of the dynamic driving tasks while the feature is engaged. This functionality allows for hands-free driving on limited access highways under certain conditions with eyes-on-the-road operation. This feature can benefit the driver by reducing fatigue over long periods of driving, enabling the driver to pay closer attention to surroundings for greater safety.

When initiated and monitored by the driver, Advanced Park performs the operations necessary for hands-free parking by controlling steering, acceleration, braking and gear changes when parallel parking or backing into a parking space. Using 360-degree sensing, which integrates the functions of complete-circumference cameras and ultrasonic sensors, the system also provides a bird’s-eye view display to allow the driver to check the vehicle’s position relative to any obstacles during Advanced Park operation.

FCEV: Making Electricity from Hydrogen 

The Toyota Mirai is an FCEV, in essence a “plug-less” electric vehicle. So how does it work?

An FCEV generates its own electricity onboard by combining hydrogen with oxygen from the outside air, with water as the only emission. Pressing the accelerator pedal yields immediate flow of electric power from the fuel cell and/or battery to the rear-mounted AC synchronous electric motor, which drives the rear wheels. As you drive, the fuel cell system combines stored hydrogen with oxygen from the air and a chemical reaction produces electric current and water, which drops out of a hidden vent pipe beneath the car.

Electricity generated by the Mirai’s fuel cell and regenerative braking system is stored in a lithium-ion battery. There’s no need to charge a big battery, which can take several hours in an EV even with fast charging. Instead, the FCEV driver simply fills the tank with hydrogen, just as millions of drivers do every day with gas vehicles.

With an FCEV, the fuel is non-toxic, compressed hydrogen gas rather than liquid gasoline. Every 2022 Toyota Mirai will include up to $15,000 of complimentary hydrogen with a purchase or lease. 

Mirai Pricing

The 2022 XLE grade has a starting MSRP of $49,500. An Advanced Technology Package, which includes Bird’s Eye View camera, Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking and front seat foot illumination, can be added for $1,410.

The Limited grade has a starting MSRP of $66,000. Advanced park is standard and the Toyota Teammate Package can be added for $5,170, which includes Advanced Drive with 10-year subscription (including extension of Safety Connect, Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist trials); 2-year extension of Remote Connect trial; 12.3-in. color TFT LCD gauge cluster; 120V/100W power outlet and dual-bulb LED headlights. (New Advanced Drive System Service subscription required after expiration of 10-year period, if available. 4G network dependent.)

Both the XLE and Limited grades offer special colors for the price of $425 including Oxygen White, Heavy Metal, Supersonic Red and, exclusive to the Limited, Hydro Blue; 20-inch Super Chrome Alloy wheels are available for the Limited grade for an additional $1,120 (Super Chrome Alloy wheel option is not available on Limited grade models equipped with the Toyota Teammate Package).

Each Mirai comes with up to $15,000 of complimentary hydrogen.

An extended ToyotaCare maintenance plan, good for three years or 35,000 miles, is included with the vehicle. Other owner benefits include roadside assistance for three years (unlimited miles), an eight-year/100,000-mile FCEV warranty on key fuel cell electric vehicle components, a complimentary rental experience for up to 21 days during the first three years of ownership, and much more.

Related Media

 

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. 

Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants.  By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.  With the more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, a quarter of the company’s 2021 U.S. sales were electrified.

To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Source Article: Toyota Newsroom