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U.C. Irvine/Toyota Program Explores Potential Role of EVs

31 May 2000

    IRVINE, Calif. - A program demonstrating innovative shared usage of mini 
electric vehicles illustrates Toyota's view of how battery electric vehicles 
could perhaps play a role in the automotive marketplace.

    Despite industry efforts to develop commercially viable battery electric
vehicles, their limited range, high price, and dependence on recharging
systems prevent them from being widely accepted as a replacement for household
autos.  And while Toyota's RAV 4 EV remains one of the most successful
electric vehicles, with more than 1000 on the road worldwide, it and other EVs
do not meet customer' expectations.  Updated market research continues to
indicate nearly zero retail market due to high costs and limited utility.

    Nevertheless, Toyota thinks that battery electric vehicles may potentially
play a specialized role in the automotive market as part of a balanced overall
clean-air strategy utilizing EV, hybrid gas/electric and ultra-low-emission
internal-combustion technologies while continuing development of fuel cell
technology.

    As a participant in an innovative government / industry / university
partnership announced today, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. joins with the
University of California, Irvine and other partners in the Irvine University
Research Park to create a "Living Power Park Laboratory."

    The Power Park project will investigate breakthrough concepts in urban
design, distributed generation of stationary fuel-cell electricity through a
micro power grid and the feasibility of 21st century transportation systems,
including the use of the Toyota e.com mini EV.  A fleet of e.com cars will be
used as part of a system for short distance, shared-usage driving.

    The e.com is well suited as a second or third car for commuting, running
errands or shopping in congested urban environments.  In addition, e.com has
potential for operation by multiple corporations to link corporate office
buildings, train stations, hotels, convention centers and other institutions
into a new type of community and intermodal transportation network.

    Public discussion of California's zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate
again focuses attention on the challenge of marketing a battery electric
vehicle that will be acceptable to motorists.  In Toyota's view, battery EVs
should be employed in situations which exploit their strengths, as part of a
comprehensive clean-air plan taking full advantage of all available
technologies.

    "Ultimately, the best solution is to market vehicles that Californians
will want to drive, not have to drive," said Jim Olson, Toyota Motor North
America senior vice president, external and regulatory affairs.  "We believe
that in the right environment such as a local, shared-use scenario, an EV like
e.com can qualify as something people will want to drive."