16:08 01-12-2025

Toyota’s EU smart charging ecosystem for EVs and plug-in hybrids

Toyota Motor Europe has unveiled a smart charging ecosystem for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids across the EU. To make it work on the ground, the company has signed strategic deals with major energy providers: British Gas will power the service in the UK, while The Mobility House Energy will do so in Germany. The first services are scheduled to go live in 2026.

At the heart of the platform is demand side response—a system that automatically shifts charging to overnight hours or other off-peak periods. Owners will control charging through a mobile app, choose the most suitable tariff, and top up when renewable output is highest. Participants in grid-balancing programs will be able to access bonuses and cash incentives.

Beyond personal savings, Toyota’s package is designed to ease pressure on the power network and curb reliance on backup coal and gas plants. That, in turn, increases the share of wind and solar generation and reduces spending on grid expansion. It’s a pragmatic tack: aligning charging with cleaner generation tends to make EV ownership feel smoother while helping utilities manage demand.

The next step is vehicle-to-grid technology. V2G will let a car not only draw power but also feed it back, effectively turning an EV into a mobile energy storage unit. Toyota plans to extend these energy projects to a wider range of countries.

Leon van der Merve emphasized that the company aims to build an ecosystem where energy and mobility work together for the benefit of customers and the environment. The direction feels like a straightforward blend of convenience and grid savvy.