Toyota is developing a next-generation solid-state battery that will have a range of 900 miles per charge and is projected to be in commercial development by 2027-2028, according to a Toyota spokesperson.
The Toyota spokesperson told AJOT: “The solid-state batteries are less dense, making them … lighter than lithium-ion batteries, they will not have any flammable components, they can be charged faster and vehicles with solid-state batteries are estimated to have a projected range of around 1475 kilometers (917 miles).”
The difference between conventional batteries such as lithium-ion batteries and the new solid-state batteries is conventional batteries utilize an electrolyte that is liquid and solid-state batteries utilize an electrolyte made of solid materials. Solid electrolytes perform better in terms of stability, safety, and thermal conductivity.
Technological Breakthroughs
The Toyota representative explained: “Having discovered a technological breakthrough that overcomes the longstanding challenge of battery durability Toyota is reviewing its introduction to conventional HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) and accelerating development of batteries for BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles), for which expectations are rising.”
However, the company is pursuing a multi-pronged approach: “Toyota is pursuing a multi-pathway approach with its batteries. There are certain challenges in expense in ramping up to scale with the solid-state batteries, including things like battery durability and costs. So, the solid-state batteries will be introduced and commercialized for mass production (and) developed over time.”
In the meantime, Toyota will be introducing its next-generation lithium-ion battery for the next-generation BEV to be introduced in 2026 which will have a cruising range of 1,000 km or 621 miles: “We are developing a prismatic battery with a focus on performance to install in such cars.”
While increasing the energy density of the battery, Toyota aims to increase the cruising range by improving other vehicle efficiencies, such as aerodynamics and weight reduction, while at the same time reducing costs.
Battery Program
In an October 2023 media briefing, Koji Sato, President and CEO, of Toyota Motor Corporation, explained the strategy surrounding the development of Toyota’s solid-state battery program:
“Idemitsu Kosan and Toyota Motor Corporation have agreed to collaborate on the mass production of solid-state batteries. Specifically, our two companies will combine their separate efforts to mass-produce new materials and establish a supply chain for solid electrolytes, which hold the key to the commercialization of solid-state batteries.
First, between 2027 and 2028, we will start to produce solid-state batteries for use in battery electric vehicles. We will then lay the foundation for mass production …
And, looking ahead to the future of battery technology, we are developing solid-state batteries as an option beyond liquid batteries. An advantage of solid-state batteries is that the electrolyte is solid. This allows ions, which convey electricity, to move faster, thus enabling shorter charging times, increased cruising ranges, and higher power output. Solid-state batteries are also characterized by being highly stable because they are resistant to changes in temperature and can robustly endure high temperatures and high voltages.
In addition, as solid-state batteries are smaller and more powerful, they will enable battery EVs to meet a diverse range of needs, from sports cars, which require high-power performance, to commercial vehicles, which require frequent quick recharging.”
The Challenge
Sato said that the big challenge in bringing solid-state batteries into commercial applications has been the issue of durability and cracking. He said Idemitsu has solved this problem: “Since 2013, our partner in working together to solve this issue has been Idemitsu, which was one of the first companies to conduct the development of elemental technologies for solid-state batteries. One such elemental technology is a highly flexible, adhesive, and crack-resistant solid electrolyte. Through repeated trial and error and by combining the material technologies of both companies, we have been able to develop a crack-resistant material that demonstrates high performance. By combining this new solid electrolyte with the Toyota Group's cathode and anode materials and battery technologies, we are now on the path toward achieving both performance and durability in solid-state batteries.”
With this accomplishment, Sato said: “The key theme for us going forward is mass production.”
