June 28, 2024 –On the occasion of its Technology Open Day, Toyota Motor Corporation announced the development of four cutting-edge battery technologies, marking a significant stride forward in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The Japanese automotive giant revealed plans to introduce these advanced batteries in a phased manner, beginning in 2026 and extending through 2028.
Firstly, Toyota aims to introduce a cost-effective lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery in 2026-2027. This battery promises a range of over 600 kilometers, a 40% cost reduction compared to the current bZ4X model, and a charging time of 30 minutes from 10% to 80%.
Moving forward, in 2026, Toyota will introduce a high-performance lithium-ion battery capable of delivering a pure electric range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. This battery boasts a 20% cost reduction compared to the bZ4X, along with a reduced charging time of less than 20 minutes from 10% to 80%.
The company further plans to unveil a high-performance lithium-ion battery in 2027-2028, aiming for a range of up to 1,100 kilometers while maintaining a charging time of under 20 minutes from 10% to 80%.
Of particular interest is Toyota’s plans to launch a solid-state battery during the same period. This advanced battery technology promises a range of over 1,000 kilometers with a charging time of less than 10 minutes from 10% to 80%. Last October, Toyota signed a partnership agreement with Japanese energy giant Idemitsu Kosan to mass-produce solid-state batteries and establish a supply chain. The two companies aim to commercialize the next-generation batteries in 2027-2028, following which full-scale production is expected to commence.
Toyota holds a leading position in solid-state battery research, boasting over 1,000 related patents. In 2020, the company conducted a test drive of the world’s first vehicle equipped with a solid-state battery. Toyota aims to further develop this technology, targeting a range of approximately 1,500 kilometers with a charging time of less than 10 minutes.
However, the high manufacturing cost of solid-state batteries remains a challenge. According to estimates from Japanese industry experts, the cost of solid-state batteries (sulfide-based) ranges from 60,000 to 350,000 yen per kilowatt-hour, which is 4 to 25 times higher than existing lithium-ion batteries (14,000 yen). Reducing production costs is crucial for the widespread adoption of this technology.
As Toyota continues to invest in battery innovations, the EV industry is poised for exciting advancements in the coming years.
