This week, Toyota provided an update on its battery research, unveiling a significant breakthrough in solid-state battery technology that the automaker aims to bring to the market. In a Tuesday announcement seemingly timed to coincide with Toyota’s annual shareholder meeting, the company outlined its goal of commercializing solid-state batteries for electric vehicles in the 2027-2028 timeframe. Notably, the technology promises rapid charging from 10% to 80% capacity in 10 minutes or less.
Advancements and Targets:
Toyota’s ambitious plans suggest a vision for enhancing the range of electric vehicle models using solid-state cells to an impressive 746 miles (1200 km) based on China’s CLTC driving cycle, with a potential future extension to 932 miles (1500 km). While these estimates are optimistic, Toyota envisions a potential EPA range of over 500 miles in its electric vehicles equipped with solid-state technology by 2027, based on the significant difference between CLTC and EPA ratings.
Potential Improvements:
Toyota projects a possible 50% improvement in future iterations of solid-state technology. This would mark a substantial leap from the current state of Toyota’s electric vehicles, as seen with the bZ4X, which, despite its unconventional charm, has not delivered on range or functionality in real-world scenarios.
Research and Patents:
Toyota has been actively researching solid-state batteries for some time, accumulating numerous patents in the process. The original promise of debuting a solid-state battery in a hybrid remains uncertain, and it is unclear if Toyota will stick to this plan or opt for an alternative strategy.
Integration with Other Battery Technologies:
The new solid-state technology is expected to complement a next generation of batteries, including bipolar LFP (lithium iron phosphate) and a next-generation NCM (nickel cobalt manganese) battery. The latter offers a 20-minute fast charge, effectively doubling the range of Toyota’s current bZ4X, which presently achieves an EPA-rated 228 miles.
Future Battery Offerings:
Toyota revealed plans for a high-performance lithium-ion bipolar battery slated for commercialization in 2027-2028. Targeting a 20-minute or less charge from 10% to 80%, this battery is part of Toyota’s multifaceted approach to lithium-ion options, including “fusion” and “popular” versions.
Industry Landscape:
While Toyota spearheads solid-state battery development, other automakers, such as Nissan and Honda, are also investing in this technology set to debut in the coming decade. The anticipated advantages of solid-state batteries include rapid charging and stability, although recent research suggests that they may not always be inherently safer.
Conclusion:
Toyota’s recent strides in solid-state battery technology signal a promising future for electric vehicles, with ambitious targets for range and charging speed. As the automotive industry collectively moves toward more sustainable solutions, the evolution of battery technologies plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of electric mobility.
