Suit Says Toyota Charity Took Plans for EV to Aid Farmers

Key Points:

• Mobility for Africa has filed a lawsuit against the Toyota Mobility Foundation, accusing it of misappropriating its three-wheeled electric vehicle (EV) concept, business model, and technology to benefit a for-profit startup, Songa Mobility, in Kenya.
• The Zimbabwe-based nonprofit claims it developed the Hamba EV, designed for rural farmers, along with a solar charging and battery-swap system and a lease model charging about $45 per week.
• Under a 2019 agreement, Toyota Mobility Foundation was funded by Mobility for Africa and barred from sharing its intellectual property, but the lawsuit alleges the foundation later supported Songa with nearly identical technology while cutting ties with Mobility for Africa.
• The case highlights tensions as Toyota faces scrutiny from environmental groups regarding its climate efforts and the pace of its electric vehicle development.
• Toyota Mobility Foundation has acknowledged awareness of the issue and is investigating, while Toyota and Songa-related entities have yet to respond formally in court.