Toyota has received official approval from Japan's Ministry of Trade and Industry (METI) to develop and produce next-generation solid-state batteries.
This green light marks a pivotal moment for Toyota and Japan's broader strategy to enhance domestic battery production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
Green light
The METI certification allows Toyota to push forward with its ambitious plans for battery development, focusing particularly on solid-state technology. This approval extends to Toyota's key subsidiaries, Prime Planet Energy Solution and Primeearth EV Energy, which are set to mass-produce a wide range of advanced batteries.
Toyota's strategic move to fully control Primeearth EV Energy earlier this year has positioned the company to flexibly respond to the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
Toyota's EV battery roadmap
The Japanese automaker has outlined an aggressive roadmap for battery technology, leading up to the deployment of solid-state batteries.
Toyota’s immediate steps include the release of 'performance' batteries by 2026, boasting a range of over 800km under the WLTP cycle and a 20% cost reduction from current models.
By 2027, the focus will shift to 'popularisation' batteries using lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) chemistry, aiming to make EVs more accessible with a driving range exceeding 600km and a 40% cost cut.
However, the spotlight remains firmly on the upcoming solid-state batteries, slated for a potential release between 2027 and 2028. The first iteration, known as 'Solid-State 1', promises a groundbreaking range of over 1000km and a fast charge time of just 10 minutes.
A further evolution, 'Solid-State 2', is expected to extend the range beyond 1200km, though specifics around cost and charging time are still under wraps.
Challenges and breakthroughs
Toyota's solid-state battery development comes amid Japan's broader push to fortify its domestic battery production.
The nation aims to secure a stable supply of batteries to decrease its dependence on markets like China and South Korea, which currently dominate the sector.
While Toyota has previously faced delays in bringing solid-state batteries to market, this recent government endorsement could accelerate its efforts. Solid-state batteries are hailed as the future of EV technology due to their potential for higher energy density, faster charging and greater safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Toyota claims to have made a "technological breakthrough" in solid-state battery development, suggesting that the technology is nearing commercial viability.