Toyota Nears Launch of Solid-State Battery Electric Vehicles
The Japanese automaker Toyota has long promised a revolution in electric vehicles through solid-state batteries, and now these plans are taking concrete shape. A key step was the announcement by Idemitsu Kosan, which is working with Toyota on developing such batteries, about the start of construction of a plant for producing solid electrolyte.
The first Toyota electric vehicles with such batteries are expected to appear in 2027-2028. They promise significant advantages:
The new Idemitsu Kosan pilot plant, construction of which has already begun, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. Upon launch, it will be able to produce several hundred tons of solid electrolyte annually, which is a critically important component for the new type of batteries.
Collaboration to Achieve the Goal
Toyota is not limiting its collaboration to Idemitsu alone. Creating a full-fledged solid-state battery also requires highly efficient cathode materials. Their supply is handled by another Japanese partner – Sumitomo Metal Mining. Thus, Toyota is building an entire ecosystem of partnerships for future production.
Future Plans and Competition
Toyota already has a roadmap for the technology’s development. Following the first generation of batteries, a second generation is planned, which will further increase the driving range – to 1200 kilometers – and likely reduce charging time.
It should be noted that Toyota is not the only company investing in this technology. For example, Mercedes-Benz is already testing its EQS with a solid-state battery, which showed an impressive result of over 1200 kilometers on a single charge under ideal conditions. Chinese MG has also introduced the MG 4 model with a so-called semi-solid-state battery containing only 5% liquid electrolyte.
The start of construction of the electrolyte production plant is not just another piece of news, but a real signal that the industry is preparing to transition from laboratory research to industrial production. The success of Toyota and its partners could radically change the electric vehicle market, making them significantly more convenient for long trips and even more competitive with traditional cars. However, questions remain regarding the cost and scalability of producing the new batteries, answers to which we will only get in the coming years.