Tokyo, September 5, 2024 – Toyota has announced plans to begin production of solid-state batteries for passenger vehicles by 2026. The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry has validated the company’s solid-state battery goals, with production initially ramping up slowly through 2027 and 2028. While setbacks could still occur, Toyota aims for full mass production by 2030.
A recent press release from Toyota confirmed that the next-generation performance battery, featuring solid-state technology, will be built by third-party manufacturers. Toyota’s goal is to reach an annual production capacity of 9 gigawatt-hours, although this target will be achieved gradually over time. The batteries will be produced in Japan, requiring large-scale investments and significant facilities to maintain and enhance the country’s battery manufacturing capabilities. The Japanese government has also pledged support for the industry, which includes equipment manufacturers and material suppliers.
The new solid-state batteries promise significant improvements in charging times, with the ability to go from flat to full in about 10 minutes. These batteries are expected to deliver a range of 621 miles (1,000 km) under the WLTP cycle, with future upgrades pushing the range to 750 miles. Although Toyota initially planned to launch a solid-state vehicle in 2020, the company postponed the release while waiting for a breakthrough in production feasibility. In June 2023, Toyota announced that a technological breakthrough had increased the theoretical range of these batteries by 20%, bringing it to over 745 miles.
There has been speculation that Toyota’s first solid-state production car may be a hybrid rather than a fully electric vehicle (EV), as the cost of a solid-state battery pack for a hybrid would be lower than for a full EV. This approach would help keep vehicle prices down while still benefiting from the new technology.
Toyota is not alone in the race to introduce solid-state batteries in vehicles. SAIC-owned MG is expected to launch its first solid-state production vehicle in 2025, while another SAIC brand, IM Motor, has already revealed the L6. The L6 features a 133 kWh semi-solid-state battery, offering a range of up to 673 miles on the Chinese CLTC test cycle. Additionally, charging for just 12 minutes can add 249 miles of range.