Toyota finds partner for development of solid-state batteries

Solid-state batteries as of 2027-2028

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (Idemitsu) are joining hands to jointly develop technology for the mass production of solid electrolyte. The collaboration goes even further: together, the partners are also setting up a supply chain for the mass production of solid-state batteries for electric cars. With the collaboration, Toyota and Idemitsu aim to make solid-state batteries available from 2027-2028 so that mass production can begin.

It has been a while

Idemitsu has been working on solid-state battery technology since 2001; Toyota has been doing so since 2006. First, Toyota and Idemitsu’s cooperation focuses on the development of solid electrolyte, a material for high-capacity, high-output batteries for electric cars. In 2006, Toyta began researching solid-state batteries. In 2008, the Battery Research Division was established and development accelerated. In 2013, Toyota and Idemitsu began technology transfer. In 2020, the first car with solid-state battery went on the road for field tests.

Manufacturing Technology

Idemitsu has developed a production technology for a solid electrolyte intermediate. This also gives Idemitsu technology that it can apply for mass production of a solid electrolyte to create a stable supply system. Idemitsu is expanding the capacity of its pilot plant and plans to build a large plant.

Advantages solid state batteries

Solid-state batteries have a higher energy density than the current generation of batteries. As a result, they are more compact and provide greater range for electric cars. And – very important – they are faster to charge.