Toyota taunts Tesla with its very own energy storage system for homes

Back in 2015, Tesla introduced its Powerwall battery energy storage system for homes, having surpassed 200,000 installations last year. Now, Toyota is throwing its hat in the ring with its very own smart system for residential use.

Incorporating technology from the automaker’s electrified vehicles, the so-called O-Uchi Kyuden System features a 8.7kWh capacity and a 5.5kWh output.

It’s designed as an emergency electricity source during power outages, as well as for everyday use, including off-peak electricity, supporting home photovoltaic systems, and for charging EVs, hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles.

The O-Uchi Kyuden System can draw power from the municipal grid, home-installed solar panels, or (unlike Tesla’s Powerwall) from EVs capable of bidirectional charging (V2H) in case of grid failure.

Thanks to an accompanying app, users can check its charge level, adjust its output, or switch between different power sources.

The O-Uchi Kyuden System will initially be available only in Japan, with sales to home builders and construction companies slated to begin in August.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but if Toyota wants to compete with Tesla by offering a more affordable product, it’ll need to beat the latter’s pricing of $7,460 (990,000 yen) when it arrives.