PLANO, Texas—Following its guiding principles of "Mobility for All" and leaving no one behind, Toyota Motor North America, Inc. announced its new vision, Empact. The purpose of Empact is to aid the transition of underserved communities to a future of electrified mobility. The strategy centers on three fundamental areas: access to charging, providing affordable mobility solutions and reducing carbon emissions.

According to a press release, the word “empact” is based on the combination of “environmental impact,” focusing on the company's movements towards carbon neutrality, and “empowering action,” which represents the efforts Toyota is making to design a more equitable and inclusive deployment strategy within underserved communities.

"Our vision will be our guide as we work with local and state officials to identify communities where Empact might help address issues related to EV charging access and affordability," said Christopher Reynolds, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, corporate resources, Toyota Motor North America. "Providing EV charging solutions will empower consumers to make decisions that will not only have a positive impact on the environment but accelerate the adoption of electrified vehicles as well."

To address access to charging, Toyota will work with partners and cities to identify ideal locations for charging station deployment to serve customers more efficiently. Initially, targeted locations will include places without off-street or private parking, including areas of higher population density in multifamily housing.

For affordability, Toyota will explore how to enable more cost-effective public charging to allow for greater adoption of battery electric vehicles. Today, DC fast charging can be up to nearly three times more expensive than home charging, which disproportionately burdens those who rely on public charging.

Toyota also will focus on reducing emissions associated with vehicle charging, helping to improve air quality for all citizens but especially those in underserved communities who often face a disproportionate share of the burden.

Toyota currently offers 14 electrified vehicles, including the battery electric bZ4X, fuel cell electric Mirai, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime. The Lexus brand currently offers 8 electrified models, including the all-electric RZ 450e as well as the plug-in hybrid electrics NX and forthcoming RX PHEV.