Doubling down on all-solid-state batteries, considered the “holy grail” of EV technology, Toyota may launch its first EV with the tech in 2027, promising faster charging, extended driving range, and more.
Toyota Plans First EV with All-Solid-State Battery for 2027
Toyota revealed a collaboration with Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. on Wednesday to produce cathode materials for its new battery tech, aiming to achieve the world’s first practical deployment of all-solid-state batteries in electric vehicles. The company said the new batteries may enhance range, speed up charging, and boost performance, potentially changing the future of automobiles. Compared with standard liquid-based batteries that use electrolyte solutions, Toyota’s all-solid-state design features a cathode, an anode, and solid electrolyte. Toyota says the next-generation battery technology “could allow for a more compact size, greater power, and longer lifespan.”
Toyota Is Developing An Extremely Durable Cathode Material
Since 2021, the two companies have been working on cathode materials for all-solid-state EV batteries, tackling major challenges in large-scale production. Toyota claimed to have developed a highly durable cathode material for all-solid-state batteries using Sumitomo Metal Mining’s unique powder synthesis method. Sumitomo has long provided cathode materials for electric vehicles and is now aiming to bring its newly developed technology into mass production. The agreement comes after Toyota was approved by METI last September to manufacture the new batteries domestically.
Toyota is working with multiple Japanese partners, including oil company Idemitsu Kosan, to bring its new EV batteries to market. Idemitsu announced that it will build a major facility for producing lithium sulfide, an essential component of all-solid-state EV batteries. The facility, once running, is expected to manufacture 1,000 metric tons of lithium sulfide annually, with the goal of scaling up all-solid-state battery production in 2027. These new batteries are part of Japan’s strategy to establish a domestic supply chain and lessen dependence on China and South Korea.