Toyota's Next-Gen BEVs: This Is What We Know
BY HENRY KELSALL
BY HENRY KELSALL
PUBLISHED JUL 7, 2023
Toyota is set to commit and invest more into BEVs, having been reluctant to do so due to fears that the world isn't ready to go all-electric.
While many automotive manufacturers are embracing the electric era and moving towards battery electric vehicles (BEVs), Toyota is not. The Japanese manufacturer is keeping its cards close to its chest regarding electric vehicles and has recently said it doesn’t believe the world is ready for mass adoption of EVs.
Despite that, as reported by The Guardian, it is pushing on with the development of electric cars knowing one day it will have to adopt them. Plus, it looks like it is set to launch its own, dedicated EV platform.
This platform firmly has Tesla in its sights as it looks to dethrone the long-time kings of the EV world. It is planning on introducing 10 new vehicles over the next few years and hopes that by 2026, annual sales of its EVs will surpass the 1.5 million mark.
The push for more EVs comes after a change at the top of Toyota. The grandson of its founder, Akio Toyoda, stepped down from the CEO role of the company earlier in 2023. He was then replaced by Koji Sato, who was widely expected to turn things around.
That is set to happen and while he is keeping the manufacturer's current hybrid strategy, Sato has indicated that EV development will accelerate. A new vision for the company was revealed a couple of months ago, which included boosting EV productivity as well as profitability.
This includes the introduction of 10 new BEVs, and the introduction of a completely new BEV platform, designed exclusively for those new models set to launch in 2026. A staggering $7.5 billion is to get invested into EV development and production at Toyota by the end of 2030.
The hope is that its dedicated EV platform will double the range of future models, thanks to more efficient batteries. Toyota also revealed it is to introduce a new in-house BEV development center, the “BEV Factory” which will help accelerate the development of their EVs. In addition, Toyota is hoping to enhance the manufacturing process of BEVs to reduce costs.
The first of these next-generation EVs is set to launch in 2026 and will take advantage of the new platform. Initial rumors point towards this model being a sporty and sleek-looking vehicle, based on images Toyota released earlier in the year.
Highlighting that cost-cutting, Toyota is set to introduce single-piece front and rear castings for its EVs. This could reduce the number of parts required from 86 to just one, and massively streamline the manufacturing process. The investment Toyota is putting in will certainly become enough to worry the likes of Tesla.
While it is developing its next generation of EVs, Toyota has also claimed to have made a huge technological breakthrough, one that will lead to a solid-state battery that is capable of delivering a range of up to 745 miles.
Not only that, but the new battery will go from 0 to 100 percent charge in just 10 minutes. That would be a groundbreaking achievement by the Japanese manufacturer, and a bonus would be Toyota managing to simplify the production of the material used in batteries
This applies to both solid-state and liquid-based batteries, allowing Toyota to save on weight by almost half, as well as reduce the size by a similar margin and the cost of the packs. Weight is a huge problem for BEVs, often weighing more than their ICE counterparts.
So Toyota’s efforts to bring that down are very welcome. Solid-state batteries in particular could become the future of EVs, as they are now seen as safer and more reliable than lithium-ion cells. But they are more expensive to manufacture and Toyota thinks it could simplify the process and bring costs down.
via Toyota
As part of this plan, Toyota’s BEVs may become even more versatile. It has an ambitious plan to launch EVs with a range of over 600 miles by 2026, on its new platform, and with a range of around 900 miles by 2028.
In 2026-27, Toyota is hoping to launch a bipolar lithium iron phosphate battery that could bring costs down by as much as 40 percent compared to the previous iteration. A more advanced bipolar lithium iron battery is set for introduction in 2027-28, as part of that push for 900 miles of range.
Toyota’s BEV Plans Are Undergoing A Major Refresh
This push for more advanced and cheaper batteries should help Toyota achieve the annual production figures it is hoping for with its EVs. It marks a massive change in philosophy from a company that has previously been quite reluctant to pick up the pace in the electric vehicle race.
Environmentalists and shareholders have launched criticism at Toyota over the last 12 months due to it dragging its feet somewhat over the electrification of its lineup, but this is a big statement of intent from the manufacturer.
However, the reasons behind its initial reluctance are sound enough. Toyota believed that the world as a whole isn’t ready for widespread EV adoption, due to the major problems in charging infrastructure.
Then there are the cost problems highlighted here, and just how long it takes an EV to become green. The company has also heavily invested in hydrogen technology, with the Mirai proving that hydrogen cars can work in the real world. So in some ways, Toyota’s hand has been rather forced into the EV world, but it is certainly committing in a big way.
Toyota Had To Commit To A Future With BEVs
The Japanese manufacturer didn't have much choice but to fully put its recourses into EVs at some point. It has badly lagged behind many rivals, much like fellow Japanese manufacturer Honda. But it's going one step further and taking a page from Tesla’s playbook and creating its own, fully dedicated EV platform. The fact it is already looking to improve manufacturing efficiency before even building its next-generation EVs shows just how committed Toyota now is to the segment.
It is seeing a slight uptick in its sales in China with regard to its current BEVs. But it still got a way to go before it is globally among the big players like Tesla, Hyundai, and others. Perhaps committing to a 2026 release of the next-gen EVs is too much, with so many more models set to launch from rival manufacturers before then.
But with the financial might and technical know-how that Toyota has, do not be at all surprised if Toyota does come good, sooner rather than later. We know exactly how strong Toyota is as a manufacturer and only time will tell if they can apply that same success to this segment.
Sources: Toyota, The Guardian
Toyota is set to commit and invest more into BEVs, having been reluctant to do so due to fears that the world isn't ready to go all-electric.
While many automotive manufacturers are embracing the electric era and moving towards battery electric vehicles (BEVs), Toyota is not. The Japanese manufacturer is keeping its cards close to its chest regarding electric vehicles and has recently said it doesn’t believe the world is ready for mass adoption of EVs.
Despite that, as reported by The Guardian, it is pushing on with the development of electric cars knowing one day it will have to adopt them. Plus, it looks like it is set to launch its own, dedicated EV platform.
This platform firmly has Tesla in its sights as it looks to dethrone the long-time kings of the EV world. It is planning on introducing 10 new vehicles over the next few years and hopes that by 2026, annual sales of its EVs will surpass the 1.5 million mark.
The push for more EVs comes after a change at the top of Toyota. The grandson of its founder, Akio Toyoda, stepped down from the CEO role of the company earlier in 2023. He was then replaced by Koji Sato, who was widely expected to turn things around.
That is set to happen and while he is keeping the manufacturer's current hybrid strategy, Sato has indicated that EV development will accelerate. A new vision for the company was revealed a couple of months ago, which included boosting EV productivity as well as profitability.
This includes the introduction of 10 new BEVs, and the introduction of a completely new BEV platform, designed exclusively for those new models set to launch in 2026. A staggering $7.5 billion is to get invested into EV development and production at Toyota by the end of 2030.
The hope is that its dedicated EV platform will double the range of future models, thanks to more efficient batteries. Toyota also revealed it is to introduce a new in-house BEV development center, the “BEV Factory” which will help accelerate the development of their EVs. In addition, Toyota is hoping to enhance the manufacturing process of BEVs to reduce costs.
The first of these next-generation EVs is set to launch in 2026 and will take advantage of the new platform. Initial rumors point towards this model being a sporty and sleek-looking vehicle, based on images Toyota released earlier in the year.
Highlighting that cost-cutting, Toyota is set to introduce single-piece front and rear castings for its EVs. This could reduce the number of parts required from 86 to just one, and massively streamline the manufacturing process. The investment Toyota is putting in will certainly become enough to worry the likes of Tesla.
While it is developing its next generation of EVs, Toyota has also claimed to have made a huge technological breakthrough, one that will lead to a solid-state battery that is capable of delivering a range of up to 745 miles.
Not only that, but the new battery will go from 0 to 100 percent charge in just 10 minutes. That would be a groundbreaking achievement by the Japanese manufacturer, and a bonus would be Toyota managing to simplify the production of the material used in batteries
This applies to both solid-state and liquid-based batteries, allowing Toyota to save on weight by almost half, as well as reduce the size by a similar margin and the cost of the packs. Weight is a huge problem for BEVs, often weighing more than their ICE counterparts.
So Toyota’s efforts to bring that down are very welcome. Solid-state batteries in particular could become the future of EVs, as they are now seen as safer and more reliable than lithium-ion cells. But they are more expensive to manufacture and Toyota thinks it could simplify the process and bring costs down.
As part of this plan, Toyota’s BEVs may become even more versatile. It has an ambitious plan to launch EVs with a range of over 600 miles by 2026, on its new platform, and with a range of around 900 miles by 2028.
In 2026-27, Toyota is hoping to launch a bipolar lithium iron phosphate battery that could bring costs down by as much as 40 percent compared to the previous iteration. A more advanced bipolar lithium iron battery is set for introduction in 2027-28, as part of that push for 900 miles of range.
Toyota’s BEV Plans Are Undergoing A Major Refresh
This push for more advanced and cheaper batteries should help Toyota achieve the annual production figures it is hoping for with its EVs. It marks a massive change in philosophy from a company that has previously been quite reluctant to pick up the pace in the electric vehicle race.
Environmentalists and shareholders have launched criticism at Toyota over the last 12 months due to it dragging its feet somewhat over the electrification of its lineup, but this is a big statement of intent from the manufacturer.
However, the reasons behind its initial reluctance are sound enough. Toyota believed that the world as a whole isn’t ready for widespread EV adoption, due to the major problems in charging infrastructure.
Then there are the cost problems highlighted here, and just how long it takes an EV to become green. The company has also heavily invested in hydrogen technology, with the Mirai proving that hydrogen cars can work in the real world. So in some ways, Toyota’s hand has been rather forced into the EV world, but it is certainly committing in a big way.
Toyota Had To Commit To A Future With BEVs
The Japanese manufacturer didn't have much choice but to fully put its recourses into EVs at some point. It has badly lagged behind many rivals, much like fellow Japanese manufacturer Honda. But it's going one step further and taking a page from Tesla’s playbook and creating its own, fully dedicated EV platform. The fact it is already looking to improve manufacturing efficiency before even building its next-generation EVs shows just how committed Toyota now is to the segment.
It is seeing a slight uptick in its sales in China with regard to its current BEVs. But it still got a way to go before it is globally among the big players like Tesla, Hyundai, and others. Perhaps committing to a 2026 release of the next-gen EVs is too much, with so many more models set to launch from rival manufacturers before then.
But with the financial might and technical know-how that Toyota has, do not be at all surprised if Toyota does come good, sooner rather than later. We know exactly how strong Toyota is as a manufacturer and only time will tell if they can apply that same success to this segment.
Sources: Toyota, The Guardian
Toyota’s newest breakthrough could be the ‘kiss of death’ for gas-powered cars — and could hit the market as early as 2027
Mary Swansburg
July 9, 2023·
Toyota has announced exciting advancements in batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), which are pointing to longer battery life by as early as 2026. The breakthrough occurred on two fronts: increased optimization of lithium-ion batteries and advancements in solid-state batteries for EVs.
Findings for lithium-ion batteries will result in increased battery life and shorter charging time, common concerns among prospective EV buyers. Current EVs allow for approximately 330 miles on one charge, while the updated battery could handle up to 621 miles.
Solid-state batteries would take that even further, allowing for approximately 745 miles on one charge. Created for items like pacemakers and smartwatches, they are similar in structure to lithium-ion batteries but historically have not been durable enough to support EVs.
Toyota’s new breakthrough could put EVs with solid-state batteries on the market by 2027, and they have mentioned zeroing in on a more affordable manufacturing process — leaning more on automated processing than human labor on an assembly line.
Best of all, EVs provide a long list of user benefits.
Currently, it costs about half as much to power an electric car than it does a gasoline-powered vehicle. Public charging costs are expensed by the minute — meaning that with the breakthroughs in battery life, owning an EV will become even more affordable.
On top of that, there are federal and local monetary incentives depending on where you live, and EVs require less maintenance overall.
EVs also leave a much smaller impact on the environment. Just one electric car on the road can save 1.6 tons of pollution annually, while gas-powered vehicles produce, on average, over 10,000 pounds of harmful gases per year.
In a recent Reuters article, solid-state batteries were called “the kiss of death” for gasoline-powered cars — speaking to just how convenient and wallet-friendly this new batch of EVs may be.
Mary Swansburg
July 9, 2023·
Toyota has announced exciting advancements in batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), which are pointing to longer battery life by as early as 2026. The breakthrough occurred on two fronts: increased optimization of lithium-ion batteries and advancements in solid-state batteries for EVs.
Findings for lithium-ion batteries will result in increased battery life and shorter charging time, common concerns among prospective EV buyers. Current EVs allow for approximately 330 miles on one charge, while the updated battery could handle up to 621 miles.
Solid-state batteries would take that even further, allowing for approximately 745 miles on one charge. Created for items like pacemakers and smartwatches, they are similar in structure to lithium-ion batteries but historically have not been durable enough to support EVs.
Toyota’s new breakthrough could put EVs with solid-state batteries on the market by 2027, and they have mentioned zeroing in on a more affordable manufacturing process — leaning more on automated processing than human labor on an assembly line.
Best of all, EVs provide a long list of user benefits.
Currently, it costs about half as much to power an electric car than it does a gasoline-powered vehicle. Public charging costs are expensed by the minute — meaning that with the breakthroughs in battery life, owning an EV will become even more affordable.
On top of that, there are federal and local monetary incentives depending on where you live, and EVs require less maintenance overall.
EVs also leave a much smaller impact on the environment. Just one electric car on the road can save 1.6 tons of pollution annually, while gas-powered vehicles produce, on average, over 10,000 pounds of harmful gases per year.
In a recent Reuters article, solid-state batteries were called “the kiss of death” for gasoline-powered cars — speaking to just how convenient and wallet-friendly this new batch of EVs may be.
JUL. 07, 2023
BY REX SANCHEZ ELECTRIC VEHICLES /
The Japanese alliance produces over 16 million cars a year.
Following the unveiling of its next-generation electric vehicle (EV) technologies, Toyota Motor Corporation now has strong momentum heading into a (possible) EV-only future. In a recent announcement, the Japanese automaker revealed that it could share the new EV technologies with local partners to bolster its presence in the electric car market.
Automotive News reports that automakers like Subaru, Mazda, Suzuki, Daihatsu, Hino, and Isuzu may receive Toyota's in-development EV tech. Together, the alliance, formed through cross-shareholdings, has posted global sales of 16.3 million units.
Toyota's next-gen EV tech promises to deliver a cruising range of 930 miles (1,500 km) using solid-state batteries, almost twice what long-range all-electric cars offer today. It looks to add over 600 miles in 10 minutes of charging.
The Japanese alliance produces over 16 million cars a year.
Following the unveiling of its next-generation electric vehicle (EV) technologies, Toyota Motor Corporation now has strong momentum heading into a (possible) EV-only future. In a recent announcement, the Japanese automaker revealed that it could share the new EV technologies with local partners to bolster its presence in the electric car market.
Automotive News reports that automakers like Subaru, Mazda, Suzuki, Daihatsu, Hino, and Isuzu may receive Toyota's in-development EV tech. Together, the alliance, formed through cross-shareholdings, has posted global sales of 16.3 million units.
Toyota's next-gen EV tech promises to deliver a cruising range of 930 miles (1,500 km) using solid-state batteries, almost twice what long-range all-electric cars offer today. It looks to add over 600 miles in 10 minutes of charging.
Toyota's only active EV, the bZ4X, currently has around 250 miles of range. The bZ4X's twin, the Subaru Solterra, offers around 228 miles of cruise range. Both EVs are available in the US market, as is their more premium counterpart, the Lexus RZ 450e, which has an infamous 220 miles of EV range.
Considering the significant improvements in EV capabilities, Toyota's partners should benefit big time, allowing them to make a mark in their respective markets. In the US, Tesla is still the top dog in the electric car market thanks to its volume-sellers, the Model Y and Model 3.
Of note, Toyota's next-gen EV technologies are scheduled to arrive in 2026.
Considering the significant improvements in EV capabilities, Toyota's partners should benefit big time, allowing them to make a mark in their respective markets. In the US, Tesla is still the top dog in the electric car market thanks to its volume-sellers, the Model Y and Model 3.
Of note, Toyota's next-gen EV technologies are scheduled to arrive in 2026.
Production is another key factor Toyota is looking at to bring its ambitious plans to fruition. New techniques are being considered, such as giga casting and its proposed self-propelled production, in which cars drive themselves through assembly plants. It is said to reduce reliance on human labor, but it just might help Japan's labor shortage as the population ages and shrinks.
"Those technologies should not be applied only to battery electric vehicles," said BEV Factory President Takero Kato. "It's about increasing our quality and flexibility. We will be able to streamline all our manufacturing and production activities through this activity."
"Those technologies should not be applied only to battery electric vehicles," said BEV Factory President Takero Kato. "It's about increasing our quality and flexibility. We will be able to streamline all our manufacturing and production activities through this activity."
Here's How Mazda And Subaru Could Benefit From Toyota's New Solid-State Battery Technology
PUBLISHED JUL 7, 2023
Toyota is gearing up for one of the most groundbreaking EV developments in history: here's how it may also affect brands like Mazda and Subaru.
Shot of an engineer holding Solid State Batteries
Toyota initially pioneered the solid-state battery revolution back in 2012. Fast-forward eleven years later, and the company is still working on solid batteries, with new developments being announced sporadically. In 2020, the company unveiled the world's first EV to run on solid-state batteries and promised to display a production prototype by 2021, but it never did. The lengthy process has pushed many consumers to wonder if we’ll ever see the touted technology at a commercial level. Yet, the company assures us that its clientele will soon have access to a hybrid car featuring solid-state batteries by 2025, through joint efforts with Panasonic, which also happens to be Tesla’s battery supplier. Toyota made the dangling carrot even more appetizing when it recently announced a new breakthrough. The latest milestone in Toyota’s solid-state battery research is expected to increase range by 20 percent, and has the potential to deliver a ten-minute quick charge.
Toyota’s bZ4x is its only fully electric vehicle at the moment, and can run for 252 miles on a single charge as per the EPA ratings. The increase could thus help the fully-electric SUV reach 458 miles CLTC. Toyota claims it has already sped up the development process with hopes of achieving mass-production by 2027 to 2028. The Japanese manufacturer also claims it has also been toiling away on a performance-oriented solid-battery technology that promises to up cruising range by 50 percent, which would consequently amount to over 900 miles on a full charge.
BYNACIM OURABAH
Will Toyota finally concede to follow the EV revolution instead of going its own way? The more time passes, the more it seems like it. Under its new management, the Japanese company appears to be more oriented toward the electric model than it was under Akio Toyoda’s reign as CEO. We’ve recently heard encouraging news regarding the production of an upcoming electric Toyota GR Sports. The prominent automaker is now set to reach the next level, with the announcement of $850 million in subsidies from the Japanese government. Toyota claims it will use the money to develop its bipolar lithium iron phosphate battery, a variation of lithium-ion technology that is expected to improve range by 20 percent when it eventually enters the market in 2027. Another chunk of that amount will also be used to enhance solid-state battery development. Toyota has been pioneering solid-state battery technology for over a decade, and is set to incorporate them in a hybrid vehicle by 2025.
The company also plans to propel solid-state batteries into mainstream use by 2030. Now, here’s where things get trickier. Instead of taking a clear, forward path like Volvo, Volkswagen, and General Motors, which all plan to fully electrify their fleet in the future, Toyota’s EV manufacturing will only account for 12 percent of its production in 2030. To make its route even more labyrinthine, the Asian automaker is still clinging to hydrogen vehicles, which have already been disregarded by most of the industry.
Toyota is gearing up for one of the most groundbreaking EV developments in history: here's how it may also affect brands like Mazda and Subaru.
Side profile graphic of a battery design EV
As the automotive industry races to develop electric battery-powered cars, carmakers are constantly vying for technological advancements that will give them a competitive edge. Toyota, the Japanese car group, recently announced its plans to produce "solid-state" batteries as early as 2027, unveiling ambitions to revolutionize its electric vehicle power units. This breakthrough technology addresses the shortcomings of current liquid lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, such as their heavy weight, slow charging times, and safety concerns.
Solid-state battery technology, which utilizes a solid electrolyte, offers promising solutions to these challenges. With the ability to hold more power, solid-state batteries can be made smaller without sacrificing range. They also enable rapid charging without overheating, resulting in safer and more efficient electric vehicles. Toyota envisions its electric cars powered by solid-state batteries to have a range of 1,200 km (746 miles) and a charging time of 10 minutes or less, surpassing the capabilities of current EVs. While the technology is still in its early phases despite years of global investment, Toyota remains confident in its ability to commercialize solid-state batteries by 2027.
Here's how Toyota's advancements in solid-state battery technology could benefit its partner automakers, Mazda and Subaru. Additionally, we will examine the potential implications of these developments for the broader EV market as competition intensifies in the race to bring solid-state batteries to market.
RELATED:Toyota's Solid-State Batteries Will Offer Over 900 Miles On A Single Charge
Toyota's New Solid-State Batteries Could Offer Up Over 900 Miles Of Range
As the automotive industry races to develop electric battery-powered cars, carmakers are constantly vying for technological advancements that will give them a competitive edge. Toyota, the Japanese car group, recently announced its plans to produce "solid-state" batteries as early as 2027, unveiling ambitions to revolutionize its electric vehicle power units. This breakthrough technology addresses the shortcomings of current liquid lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, such as their heavy weight, slow charging times, and safety concerns.
Solid-state battery technology, which utilizes a solid electrolyte, offers promising solutions to these challenges. With the ability to hold more power, solid-state batteries can be made smaller without sacrificing range. They also enable rapid charging without overheating, resulting in safer and more efficient electric vehicles. Toyota envisions its electric cars powered by solid-state batteries to have a range of 1,200 km (746 miles) and a charging time of 10 minutes or less, surpassing the capabilities of current EVs. While the technology is still in its early phases despite years of global investment, Toyota remains confident in its ability to commercialize solid-state batteries by 2027.
Here's how Toyota's advancements in solid-state battery technology could benefit its partner automakers, Mazda and Subaru. Additionally, we will examine the potential implications of these developments for the broader EV market as competition intensifies in the race to bring solid-state batteries to market.
RELATED:Toyota's Solid-State Batteries Will Offer Over 900 Miles On A Single Charge
Toyota Introducing Solid-State Batteries To Its EV Fleet Will Change The Industry
With the EV market rapidly advancing, major brands like Toyota are making gains (in very big ways). Recently, the company announced that it plans to develop and introduce solid-state batteries into its electric vehicles in the next few years, promising things like safer, better driving. Notably, several Toyota executives spoke at a recent event, mentioning that the automaker would be significantly improving how its electric vehicle fleet is made and consumed.
Here are some key points mentioned:Manufacturing upgrades to reduce costs
Hypersonic tech to enhance aerodynamics
EV battery tech, including solid-state batteries
Fundamental changes to improve EV product appeal
What makes the idea of Toyota mass-producing solid-state EV batteries is not only are they safe, but they will dramatically increase the driving range of electric vehicles sold by Toyota. On top of that, the carmaker claims that with this new and improved solid-state technology, Toyota EVs could drive 900+ miles per single charge, revolutionizing the industry. When one brand takes a leap of faith, others will soon follow. We could see electric cars charging in 10 minutes and driving for weeks on end soon. This is all thanks to solid-state batteries.
One of the major benefits of solid-state batteries is that they are lightweight and don't have the same toxic and flammable qualities as currently-used lithium-ion batteries. That, paired with their ability to charge at the speed of light, makes them a contender to be the new "normal" for EVs.
With the EV market rapidly advancing, major brands like Toyota are making gains (in very big ways). Recently, the company announced that it plans to develop and introduce solid-state batteries into its electric vehicles in the next few years, promising things like safer, better driving. Notably, several Toyota executives spoke at a recent event, mentioning that the automaker would be significantly improving how its electric vehicle fleet is made and consumed.
Here are some key points mentioned:Manufacturing upgrades to reduce costs
Hypersonic tech to enhance aerodynamics
EV battery tech, including solid-state batteries
Fundamental changes to improve EV product appeal
What makes the idea of Toyota mass-producing solid-state EV batteries is not only are they safe, but they will dramatically increase the driving range of electric vehicles sold by Toyota. On top of that, the carmaker claims that with this new and improved solid-state technology, Toyota EVs could drive 900+ miles per single charge, revolutionizing the industry. When one brand takes a leap of faith, others will soon follow. We could see electric cars charging in 10 minutes and driving for weeks on end soon. This is all thanks to solid-state batteries.
One of the major benefits of solid-state batteries is that they are lightweight and don't have the same toxic and flammable qualities as currently-used lithium-ion batteries. That, paired with their ability to charge at the speed of light, makes them a contender to be the new "normal" for EVs.
Shot of an engineer holding Solid State Batteries
Toyota initially pioneered the solid-state battery revolution back in 2012. Fast-forward eleven years later, and the company is still working on solid batteries, with new developments being announced sporadically. In 2020, the company unveiled the world's first EV to run on solid-state batteries and promised to display a production prototype by 2021, but it never did. The lengthy process has pushed many consumers to wonder if we’ll ever see the touted technology at a commercial level. Yet, the company assures us that its clientele will soon have access to a hybrid car featuring solid-state batteries by 2025, through joint efforts with Panasonic, which also happens to be Tesla’s battery supplier. Toyota made the dangling carrot even more appetizing when it recently announced a new breakthrough. The latest milestone in Toyota’s solid-state battery research is expected to increase range by 20 percent, and has the potential to deliver a ten-minute quick charge.
Toyota’s bZ4x is its only fully electric vehicle at the moment, and can run for 252 miles on a single charge as per the EPA ratings. The increase could thus help the fully-electric SUV reach 458 miles CLTC. Toyota claims it has already sped up the development process with hopes of achieving mass-production by 2027 to 2028. The Japanese manufacturer also claims it has also been toiling away on a performance-oriented solid-battery technology that promises to up cruising range by 50 percent, which would consequently amount to over 900 miles on a full charge.
What Toyota’s New Solid-State Battery Means For Hydrogen
BYNACIM OURABAH
PUBLISHED JUN 24, 2023
Toyota seems finally ready to embrace the EV industry, with groundbreaking technology and $850 million in subsidies at its disposal.
Toyota seems finally ready to embrace the EV industry, with groundbreaking technology and $850 million in subsidies at its disposal.
Will Toyota finally concede to follow the EV revolution instead of going its own way? The more time passes, the more it seems like it. Under its new management, the Japanese company appears to be more oriented toward the electric model than it was under Akio Toyoda’s reign as CEO. We’ve recently heard encouraging news regarding the production of an upcoming electric Toyota GR Sports. The prominent automaker is now set to reach the next level, with the announcement of $850 million in subsidies from the Japanese government. Toyota claims it will use the money to develop its bipolar lithium iron phosphate battery, a variation of lithium-ion technology that is expected to improve range by 20 percent when it eventually enters the market in 2027. Another chunk of that amount will also be used to enhance solid-state battery development. Toyota has been pioneering solid-state battery technology for over a decade, and is set to incorporate them in a hybrid vehicle by 2025.
The company also plans to propel solid-state batteries into mainstream use by 2030. Now, here’s where things get trickier. Instead of taking a clear, forward path like Volvo, Volkswagen, and General Motors, which all plan to fully electrify their fleet in the future, Toyota’s EV manufacturing will only account for 12 percent of its production in 2030. To make its route even more labyrinthine, the Asian automaker is still clinging to hydrogen vehicles, which have already been disregarded by most of the industry.
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