Toyota Patent Reveals Advanced Vehicle Controller for Reduced Power Consumption during Towing

A new patent granted to Toyota has brought to light an advanced vehicle controller designed to minimize power consumption during towing operations. The patented technology, filed on August 9, 2023, and published online on August 12, 2025, showcases the company's commitment to optimizing electric vehicle performance. The innovative controller adjusts power output based on the vehicle's battery state and the distance to the next charging point.

According to the patent, the controller is capable of dynamically adjusting its settings to prevent excessive power consumption. This feature is particularly useful for battery electric vehicles and fuel cell automobiles, which often experience increased power demands when towing. By implementing this advanced controller, Toyota aims to enhance the cruising distance and overall efficiency of its electric vehicles, thereby reducing the strain on the battery and improving the overall driving experience.

Key Takeaways:

• The patented vehicle controller is designed to control traveling of electric vehicles during towing operations.
• The controller adjusts power output based on the vehicle's battery state and the distance to the next charging point.
• The technology reduces power consumption during towing by dynamically adjusting the controller's settings.
• The controller can limit the function of the electric vehicle to prevent excessive power consumption.
• The vehicle controller detects whether power consumption reduction is needed based on the output of the battery and the amount of remaining stored energy.
• The controller can execute various functions, such as reducing vehicle speed, limiting battery output, or forcing switching to an internal air circulation operation mode of the air conditioner.
• The controller can change how the function is limited and the amount of limitation based on the output of the battery and the amount of remaining stored energy.
• The controller can detect whether towing is being performed based on the output of the battery relative to the vehicle speed and an electric power threshold.

Statistics:

• Patent number: 12384257
• Filing date: August 9, 2023
• Publication date: August 12, 2025
• U.S. Patent Number: 12384257
• Patent URL (for desktop use only): https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/external.html?q=(12384257)&db=USPAT&type=ids

Sources:

• Hoshino, Yu. Vehicle controller for reduction of power consumption while towing. U.S. Patent Number 12384257, filed August 9, 2023, and published online on August 12, 2025. Patent URL (for desktop use only): https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/external.html?q=(12384257)&db=USPAT&type=ids
• NewsRx LLC. (2025). Toyota Patent Reveals Advanced Vehicle Controller for Reduced Power Consumption during Towing.