Toyota's breakthrough in battery technology

author: FutureCar Staff    

Toyota has achieved a significant breakthrough in the development of solid-state batteries. The company claims that when these batteries go into mass production in 2027, they will not compromise on shorter battery life, which is a common trade-off. Solid-state batteries have long been considered a game-changer for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Unlike traditional batteries, which use a liquid electrolyte, solid-state batteries use a gel-like electrolyte, although Toyota does not specify the exact material they use.

A gel-based electrolyte is generally considered safer and more stable. It also allows ions to move more quickly and has better tolerance for higher voltages and temperatures. This is excellent news for rapid charging, as Toyota estimates that it will take less than 10 minutes to charge a battery from 10 to 80 percent state of charge (SoC) using these new solid-state batteries. Additionally, these batteries offer a 20 percent increase in driving range, approximately 620 miles, and better durability. Originally, Toyota planned to introduce solid-state batteries in hybrids first, where the fuel engine could serve as a safety net in case of battery failure. However, the company now feels confident enough to focus on incorporating these batteries directly into BEVs.

In addition to solid-state technology, Toyota has also introduced a new range of advanced liquid-electrolyte batteries. These batteries have improved performance, range, and fast charging capabilities, while also reducing weight and improving aerodynamics. The new batteries are named Performance, Popularisation, and High-performance, each using different chemistries. The latter two batteries utilize a new bipolar battery structure to enhance all relevant metrics. For example, the Performance battery, based on lithium-ion technology, is expected to reduce production costs of the all-electric bZ4x SUV by 20 percent, increase the range to 497 miles (up from 317), and decrease rapid charging time to less than 20 minutes.

Takero Kato, the president of Toyota's new production facility, emphasized the importance of offering various battery options to cater to different models and customer needs, similar to the variety of engine options available. Toyota anticipates that the next generation of models will include 1.7 million of the 3.5 million BEVs the company plans to sell globally by 2030.

FutureCar Staff