Toyota’s Solid-State Battery Breakthrough: Cutting Costs and Size by 50%
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Toyota Claims 745-Mile Range and 10-Minute Fast Charging with Solid-State Batteries
A Game-Changer for Electric Vehicles
Toyota has achieved a major milestone in the electric vehicle (EV) industry by developing new solid-state battery technology that promises to reduce the weight, size, and cost of EV batteries by 50 percent. The world’s largest automaker recently announced that their solid-state battery architecture enables the production of batteries with an impressive range of 745 miles (1,200 kilometers) and fast-charging capabilities of about 10 minutes, as reported by the Financial Times.
In a bid to catch up with EV market leaders like Tesla and BYD, Toyota unveiled its EV roadmap last month, outlining its vision to manufacture cars equipped with solid-state batteries by 2027. Although Toyota has primarily focused on hybrids and fuel cells rather than full-fledged EVs, the company now appears determined to disrupt the market with a range of internally developed technologies that will challenge its competitors.
To realize this vision, Toyota announced that it is taking necessary steps to produce the materials required for solid-state cells, marking a significant advancement that will shorten charging times and extend driving ranges.
Advantages of Solid-State Batteries
Solid-state batteries differ from traditional lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries by employing solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte instead of liquid or polymer gel electrolytes. These batteries offer enhanced resilience and longer lifespans. Furthermore, solid-state cells enable reduced charging times, increased capacity, and lower fire risk compared to their liquid electrolyte counterparts. Despite their potential, the practical application of solid-state batteries has been limited due to their high cost and complex manufacturing process.
As Toyota continues its efforts to introduce next-generation EVs in 2026, the company is also advancing battery technologies to meet customer expectations. By increasing the energy density of the battery and improving vehicle efficiency through aerodynamics and weight reduction, Toyota aims to increase the cruising range while reducing costs.
The development of all-solid-state batteries for EVs is being carried out in collaboration with Toyota Industries Corporation, leveraging the collective expertise of the Toyota Group.
Commitment to a Green Transition
Toyota’s EV roadmap also highlights plans to enhance the performance of liquid lithium-ion batteries by improving the energy density of square batteries—a domain in which Toyota boasts extensive experience. The company intends to integrate the bipolar structure used in its hybrid vehicles into full-electric vehicle architecture.
These advanced batteries, expected to be commercially viable by 2026-2027, will employ affordable lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. Toyota aims for a 20% increase in cruising range, a 40% cost reduction, and quick recharging in 30 minutes or less (SOC=10-80%) compared to the current bZ4X model, with the aim of incorporating them into EVs within the popular price range.
Additionally, Toyota remains committed to bolstering fuel cell sales using hydrogen units like those found in the Mirai, aiming to strengthen its position in the fuel cell industry. The company has already received bids for external sales of 100,000 fuel cell units by 2030.
