Toyota has announced ambitious plans to introduce its first electric vehicle equipped with a solid-state battery as early as 2027-2028. This key technological step promises to radically change the landscape of electric mobility, increasing the range of electric vehicles to over 1,200 kilometers while reducing charging time to an impressive 10 minutes. No less important is the expected increase in the security of the power system.
To achieve this goal, the company has partnered with Sumitomo Metal Mining to mass produce critical cathode materials. The Japanese giant's ambition is clear: to be "the first in the world to achieve practical application of solid-state batteries in electric vehicles". The move is part of Japan's broader strategy to build local battery manufacturing capacity, aiming to reduce its reliance on suppliers from China and South Korea, as reported by Electrek.
The key difference between solid-state and modern lithium-ion batteries is the use of a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one. This provides a number of significant advantages. First of all, the lack of a flammable liquid almost eliminates the risk of fire, which is a significant safety improvement.
In addition, the solid electrolyte leads to a higher energy density. This means that more charge can be stored in the same volume, which directly translates into increased range or, alternatively, into more compact and lighter battery cells.
Regarding the charging speed, it increases thanks to the fact that the solid electrolyte is more resistant to high current values. Finally, solid-state solutions theoretically promise better durability – they are less prone to degradation and can withstand more recharge cycles.
Toyota has been promising the launch of a solid-state battery for years, and its new partnership with Sumitomo Metal Mining shows a serious commitment to leadership in this area. However, Toyota is not the only automaker pursuing this revolutionary goal. Mercedes-Benz has already tested its EQS with a solid-state battery, covering 1,205 kilometers during testing, and plans to mass produce it by the end of the decade. Chinese technology giants CATL and BYD also have their eyes set on 2027. Whether Toyota will succeed in becoming the "world first" remains to be seen in the next few years.