Toyota Demonstrates 'Hidden Function' for Disaster Relief Ahead of Japan's Disaster Prevention Day

As Japan prepares to observe its annual Disaster Prevention Day on September 1, Toyota is actively demonstrating a crucial "hidden function" within its vehicles: the ability to provide external power. This initiative aims to educate the public about how their cars can serve as vital emergency power sources during natural disasters, a need starkly highlighted by the Kumamoto earthquake in late July.

Toyota showcased this capability at the Toyota Museum in Nagakute city, Aichi Prefecture. Demonstrations featured the hybrid electric vehicle (HV) Prius and the fuel cell bus Sora. By following specific steps while the vehicle is stationary, users can access power through built-in outlets, enabling them to run essential appliances without needing additional equipment. The fuel cell bus Sora was shown powering an air cooler, illustrating its capacity for larger energy demands.

This "vehicle power supply" technology is a key focus of Toyota's recent disaster preparedness campaign. The company previously dispatched its "Moving e" fuel cell bus, co-developed with Honda, to assist with power outages in evacuation centers following the Kumamoto earthquake. This real-world application underscores the practical benefits of integrating power generation capabilities into vehicles.

Toyota acknowledges that the external power supply function in its hybrid vehicles is not widely known. The demonstrations are intended to increase public awareness and understanding of how to use this feature effectively. Official data from Toyota Japan indicates that a Prius HV, under specific conditions such as being fully fueled and stationary, could provide power for approximately 4.5 to 5 days, assuming a 400W power consumption. However, the company emphasizes that actual supply duration varies based on usage and the specific power draw of the appliances connected.