Toyota has announced a significant move that will open its Lexus charging stations to all the electric vehicle (EV) brands in Japan. This decision marks a major shift in Toyota’s approach to EV infrastructure and accessibility according to The Japan News.

In regards to Lexus, the company launched its first “rapid charging station” in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya in June 2023, followed by a second location at Karuiza Common Grounds in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, in December 2023. These charging stations are a part of the Lexus Electrified Program that offers quick chargers with up to 150 kW.

Previously, these charging stations were exclusive to Lexus EV owners, who could reserve spots up to could reserve spots up to 60 days in advance through the My Lexus app. Interestingly, the service contains benefits including complimentary drinks, workspaces, and discounts on nearby services.

Notably, this move aligns with the global trend of increasing charging infrastructure accessibility. In the United States (U.S.), Tesla has led the way by opening its Supercharger network to other EV brands with Ford being the first to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapter. Toyota and Lexus also followed suit to gain access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network in North America.

In detail, Tesla possesses over 50,000 Superchargers globally with over 15,000 in the U.S. and Canada alone. As for Lexus, the company aims to have around 100 charging stations across Japan by 2030, with two more stations planned for Osaka and Nagoya by March 2025.

As the automotive landscape in Japan shift toward EVs, Toyota’s decision to open Lexus charging stations to all EVs demonstrates a recognition of the need for more accessible charging infrastructure. With improvement to the overall charging experience for EV owners in Japan, the acceleration toward EV adoption.

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