Toyota and Mazda begin joint testing of sweep energy storage system in Hiroshima.
Toyota Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor Corporation have embarked on field tests of Toyota’s innovative Sweep Energy Storage System at Mazda’s Hiroshima Plant in Japan. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in exploring sustainable energy solutions for the automotive industry.
The project links two pioneering systems: Mazda’s power generation facility at its Hiroshima headquarters—the only automaker-operated power plant in Japan—and Toyota’s Sweep Energy Storage System, which reuses batteries from electrified vehicles. Through their respective energy management systems, both companies will test the stability, efficiency, and quality of charging and discharging between the two grids.
A key advantage of Toyota’s Sweep Energy Storage System is its ability to manage multiple batteries of different capacities and conditions. The system can quickly switch the flow of power from each battery on and off, even when degraded or new batteries are connected. This makes it highly adaptable and ideal for integrating renewable energy sources, which fluctuate depending on weather and time of day.
The joint testing supports broader industry efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. By regulating renewable energy supply and demand, the storage system helps stabilize the power grid while ensuring a sustainable second life for vehicle batteries. This approach aligns with the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association’s initiatives, which include building a resilient supply chain and securing critical resources for future mobility.
Toyota and Mazda’s partnership is also a response to one of the seven key issues the Japanese automotive industry is tackling: the development of a robust battery ecosystem. Reusing and repurposing EV batteries not only reduces waste but also lowers reliance on newly mined materials, strengthening energy security and sustainability.
Looking ahead, both automakers remain committed to a multipathway approach to carbon neutrality. This includes advancing electrification technologies, renewable energy integration, and collaborative industry practices that boost competitiveness on a global scale.
With the Sweep Energy Storage System undergoing real-world validation at Mazda’s Hiroshima Plant, Toyota and Mazda are taking concrete steps toward a cleaner, more resilient, and future-ready automotive industry.
