Toyota Material Handling Europe and Alight join forces in strategic solar energy program

With both companies looking to enable a carbon-free society, the partnership combines Toyota Material Handling Europe’s deep knowledge in electric forklifts and lithium-ion batteries with Alight’s expertise in solar power. The partnership will be carried out in a strategic solar program with the ambition to implement solar power systems at Toyota Material Handing’s own sites and develop solar power solutions that can be integrated within Toyota’s product offering.

As a first step, rooftop solar power systems will be installed at Toyota Material Handling’s production and management facilities in five countries, through Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). Installations are planned to take place later in 2019 and the headquarters in Mjölby is first out.

Towards a carbon-free society

Electrification is accelerating within logistics, driving an increased demand for renewable energy. Electric forklift trucks with lithium-ion batteries, powered by solar electricity from a company’s own roof can create environmental as well as financial gains. The vision for this solar programme is therefore also to develop solar power solutions that lets Toyota Material Handling’s partners and customers move the world towards a carbon free society. The solutions will extend from rooftop solar power solutions up to Li-ion batteries as stationary storage for solar power.

“We want our solar programme to echo all the way from our production sites to suppliers and customers who use our products. By adding more renewable energy to the grid we help to remove fossil power in Europe. That is true impact on our future – and what we are aiming for is to invite our partners and customers in this journey to the carbon-free society,” says Matthias Fischer, President and CEO at Toyota Material Handling Europe.

The programme is an important step towards reaching Toyota’s energy targets of 100% renewable electricity in 2020 and zero carbon emissions from all products and solutions by 2050.

Stationary storage for solar energy

Under the programme, the module-based Li-ion batteries will be given a third life as cost-efficient, stationary storage for solar energy. Thereby electric trucks can be charged with solar energy, even when the sun is not shining.

“Partnering up with Alight feels like a perfect match. Their world-class expertise will guarantee effective and long-lasting solutions. It will be exciting to see what we can accomplish together to lower our products’ environmental impact.” concludes Matthias Fischer.

“This partnership is one of a kind. Toyota is determined to reach zero emissions for their products, an ambition to which solar power and battery solutions are a stepping stone. We’re proud to be part of this journey.” says Harald Överholm, CEO at Alight.