Toyota Motor Corporation announced its plans to develop an all solid-state battery as part of its ambitious strategy for battery electric vehicles, in response to growing criticism of Japan’s leading automaker’s efforts to combat climate change.
The company aims to have a commercial solid-state battery available by 2027 that has a driving range of 1,000 km on a single charge and cost reduction of 20% versus its current EV, the bZ4X.
In addition, Toyota said it would produce a range of lower-cost lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for use in 2026 or 2027. It said it was targeting a 20% increase in range and a 40% reduction in cost compared to the bZ4X.
To achieve its goals, Toyota intends to expand its battery electric vehicle lineup and invest in technology development, with the aim of delivering 1.5 million electric vehicles by 2026. The company highlighted that the next-generation battery electric vehicles will allow for customization of the driving experience, focusing on aspects such as acceleration, turning, and stopping, thanks to advancements in the vehicle’s operating system.
Traditionally, electric vehicle owners rely on home charging stations and leave their cars plugged in overnight to recharge. This practice has been one of the main reasons Toyota has advocated for hybrid vehicles, which can recharge while driving using a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor. However, the company acknowledges the need to catch up in the electric vehicle sector, as emphasized by Toyota President Koji Sato.
Toyota expects to face scrutiny regarding its climate change commitments at an upcoming shareholders’ meeting in Toyota city, central Japan, scheduled for Wednesday. In addition to its solid-state battery plans, the company stated that it is actively working on innovating lithium-ion batteries, the predominant battery type used in most electric vehicles, with the aim of providing new affordable options to consumers.
While Toyota remains committed to advancing a “hydrogen society” and continues to explore hydrogen-powered models, including fuel cell vehicles, it acknowledges the challenges associated with hydrogen production. Although hydrogen can be produced using renewable energy, it is currently expensive and often derived from fossil fuels. Toyota is collaborating with various partners to develop cleaner and more cost-effective hydrogen production methods.
Furthermore, Toyota is also engaged in research and development of second-generation biofuels. These biofuels, such as ethanol, offer a more renewable alternative to fossil fuels, despite having some limitations.
