TOSHIBA’S HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE MOTORS: DRIVING FORD AND THE INDUSTRY FORWARD

Toshiba is at the forefront of the HEV revolution, having manufactured HEV systems since the early 1990s. Today, Toshiba’s U.S. HEV division actively collaborates on research and development with the parent plant in Japan, accelerating innovation and introducing new technologies that bring value to the automotive industry. Through the development and widespread adoption of motors for electrified vehicles, Toshiba is providing sustainable mobility solutions to people and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Collaboration with Ford and Toshiba’s Role
Toshiba’s work with Ford Motor Company started in 1999 with the co-development of a dual-motor HEV system that is specific and exclusive to Ford’s transmission. The innovative system launched Ford’s push into the HEV market, establishing the company as the second-largest supplier behind Toyota. Ford first deployed Toshiba’s HEV motor in its 2004 Escape-Hybrid, then installed it in the C-Max, Fusion and Lincoln MKZ.

Toshiba’s dual-motor HEV system touts both a conventional internal combustion engine, powered by gasoline, and an electric propulsion system. This design makes these vehicles suitable for drivers in areas with underdeveloped charging infrastructure while still contributing to the reduction of automotive exhaust emissions.

Toshiba began as a Tier 2 manufacturer for Ford in 2004, subcontracting components to direct Tier 1 suppliers. Ford elevated Toshiba to Tier 1 status in 2009. The partnership with Ford spurred Toshiba to shift its HEV motor development and engineering processes from Japan to the U.S. offices in Wixom, Mich., 30 miles west of Detroit. Three years later, Toshiba opened a manufacturing plant in Houston. This allows for domestic development and shipping of parts and products, resulting in fully American-made motors for Ford HEVs.



Toshiba’s HEV Plant in Houston

Driving Sustainable Automotive Innovation
As the automotive sector continues to expand its lineup of HEVs, Toshiba is stepping up production of its high-performance motors, supplying more HEV motors to meet increasing demand. This enables automakers to offer a diverse range of hybrid and fully electric vehicle options, aiding consumers in smoothly transitioning to more sustainable driving options. Such efforts contribute to the growing consumer desire for environmentally friendly vehicles and help meet fuel efficiency regulations.

“Our collaboration with leading automakers successfully offers consumers sustainable vehicle options,” said Nobunori Mashimura, VP & General Manager, HEV at Toshiba’s Houston plant. “The ability of these companies to expand their HEV offerings with Toshiba’s high-quality and high-performance motors keeps them competitive among other hybrid and electric vehicle offerings.”



Stator production line: all production stations are operated by certified operators.

Improving Energy Efficiency and Contributing to Carbon Neutrality
Ford is pleased with the reliability, durability, and quality of Toshiba’s motors, due in part to the efficient manufacturing practices at the Houston plant. In fact, Toshiba won the Ford Q1 Preferred Quality Status award in its second year of production, in January 2014, further solidifying itself as a trusted partner to Ford.

According to Consumer Reports, using less gas saves HEV owners a bundle of money—as much as $4,000 over the life of the vehicle compared to a conventional gas-powered vehicle. Not only that: HEV owners are being spared the inconvenience of spending hours every week waiting at a public plug-in recharging station or the costs (thousands of dollars) of having to install an at-home electric charging station.



HEV Management Team of Toshiba International Corporation (TIC): Achilles Harris, Plant Manager (leftmost), Nobunori Mashimura (center)

Paving the Way for Electrified Vehicles
Looking ahead, demand for HEV sales is expected to grow by a compound annual growth rate of 7.3% between 2023 and 2030, according to Fortune Business Insights. However, HEVs are just one option consumers have as they seek to improve fuel efficiency. They can decide to purchase a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or a fully electric vehicle. In the future, additional options may emerge based on technological advancements, changes in environmental regulations, and influx in consumer trends. While development of next-generation battery technology and improvements in charging infrastructure are expected to drive EV adoption, higher vehicle prices and delays in infrastructure development may have slowed the initial projected growth of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Knowing that consumers are becoming more carbon-conscious and more interested in electrification, Toshiba’s motor technology can support full electric vehicle, also manufacturing batteries for fully electric vehicles.

Although HEVs are positioned as vehicles meant to facilitate the transition to EVs, HEV demand cannot be ignored. Based on consumers’ location and transportation needs, HEVs will continue to be an essential choice for those seeking a sustainable transportation option, contributing to environmental well-being without relying on electric charging infrastructure.

As consumers transition from gas-powered vehicles to HEVs, and eventually to fully electric models, Toshiba will continue to support this shift with our advanced motor technologies. We are fully prepared for the future of electrified vehicles.