As the automotive industry races to develop electric battery-powered cars, carmakers are constantly vying for technological advancements that will give them a competitive edge. Toyota, the Japanese car group, recently announced its plans to produce “solid-state” batteries as early as 2027, unveiling ambitions to revolutionize its electric vehicle power units. This breakthrough technology addresses the shortcomings of current liquid lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, such as their heavy weight, slow charging times, and safety concerns.
Solid-state battery technology, which utilizes a solid electrolyte, offers promising solutions to these challenges. With the ability to hold more power, solid-state batteries can be made smaller without sacrificing range. They also enable rapid charging without overheating, resulting in safer and more efficient electric vehicles. Toyota envisions its electric cars powered by solid-state batteries to have a range of 1,200 km (746 miles) and a charging time of 10 minutes or less, surpassing the capabilities of current EVs. While the technology is still in its early phases despite years of global investment, Toyota remains confident in its ability to commercialize solid-state batteries by 2027.
Here’s how Toyota’s advancements in solid-state battery technology could benefit its partner automakers, Mazda and Subaru. Additionally, we will examine the potential implications of these developments for the broader EV market as competition intensifies in the race to bring solid-state batteries to market.
With the EV market rapidly advancing, major brands like Toyota are making gains (in very big ways). Recently, the company announced that it plans to develop and introduce solid-state batteries into its electric vehicles in the next few years, promising things like safer, better driving. Notably, several Toyota executives spoke at a recent event, mentioning that the automaker would be significantly improving how its electric vehicle fleet is made and consumed.
Here are some key points mentioned:
- Manufacturing upgrades to reduce costs
- Hypersonic tech to enhance aerodynamics
- EV battery tech, including solid-state batteries
- Fundamental changes to improve EV product appeal
What makes the idea of Toyota mass-producing solid-state EV batteries is not only are they safe, but they will dramatically increase the driving range of electric vehicles sold by Toyota. On top of that, the carmaker claims that with this new and improved solid-state technology, Toyota EVs could drive 900+ miles per single charge, revolutionizing the industry. When one brand takes a leap of faith, others will soon follow. We could see electric cars charging in 10 minutes and driving for weeks on end soon. This is all thanks to solid-state batteries.
One of the major benefits of solid-state batteries is that they are lightweight and don’t have the same toxic and flammable qualities as currently-used lithium-ion batteries. That, paired with their ability to charge at the speed of light, makes them a contender to be the new “normal” for EVs.
An Alliance Between Toyota, Mazda, And Subaru
Another recent piece of news to mention is that Toyota is taking solid-state batteries to a mass scale; this will also benefit other car brands in the EV market. Most importantly, brands including Mazda and Subaru will likely benefit from Toyota’s leap into the future, as they all belong to an “alliance” interwoven by cross-shareholdings. Under its umbrella are Subaru, Mazda, Suzuki, Daihatsu, and truckmakers Hino and Isuzu. Therefore, companies currently aiding in developing these solid-state super batteries will likely do the same for the above-mentioned brands.
Although nobody wants a monopolized auto industry, there can be positives to this type of situation. For instance, if these three major carmakers can access the solid-state technology and apply it to their fleets of EVs, that could mean unlimited possibilities for us, the consumer, in the next few years. Toyota also focuses heavily on the hydrogen market, so many dramatic introductions are expected to roll out for this brand and its allies very soon.
For instance, in the fiscal year that ended March 31, Toyota – including Daihatsu and Hino – notched a retail volume of 10.56 million vehicles worldwide. Subaru sold 852,000, and Mazda moved 1.11 million. Suzuki chipped in another 3 million, and Isuzu rounded out the pack with 771,000 trucks. These numbers could become far greater, with EVs reaching 900+ miles per charge without gas. When we’re happy: shareholders are happy.
Solid-State Batteries Are The Future Of EV Driving
One of the main points of these advancements in EV batteries is that with solid-state technology, your car won’t take hours to charge, be created using highly combustible materials, and won’t be heavy on the road. Compared to the current lithium-ion technology electric cars use, solid-state batteries use the same basic structure: anode and cathode with a separator in between, although they do it better. Moreover, in the case of solid-state tech, your car batteries’ separator would be made using a solid electrolyte versus the liquid found in lithium-ion batteries.
Something else to note is that solid-state batteries are manufactured by stacking a thin-film electrolyte on the electrodes in a vacuum state, making them much lighter than lithium-ion versions. One of the main issues with current EV technology is that our cars don’t get far driving range per charge with hefty batteries. For example, some of the best ranges we currently have are 300–500 miles. Yes, that is fine for people with short commutes, but what about those who want to road trip? Why are electric car drivers constantly having to stop and charge their vehicles? It’s because they are using heavy lithium-ion battery technology.
Lighter batteries will put less pressure on your car while it drives, resulting in greater range. Safety is another concern with lithium-ion batteries, as they are known to combust easily. When these batteries get too hot or malfunction, they can cause mass fatalities. On the other hand, solid-state batteries do not use flammable liquid to operate, deeming them a far safer bet in the EV market.
Toyota, Mazda, And Subaru Will Continue To Pioneer For Electric Driving
Although Toyota has always been ahead of its time, this international carmaker will soon be the leading front of the golden age of EV driving. As mentioned, 2027 is when the Japanese carmaker announced it would bring solid-state batteries to its fleet of electric vehicles, as well as expected news from brands in the alliance of shareholders, including Mazda and Subaru. These three mega-brands use similar, if not the same, types of high-powered batteries, allowing us to have our choice between EVs that are more powerful than ever before.
Considering that Mazda and Subaru have been exponentially ramping up their EV line of vehicles, it’s no surprise that this news will mean a greater selection for fans of each brand. When we have more options, the car industry is at its best. On top of that: solid-state batteries are better for us and the planet and should cause a stir in this ever-changing industry. The future is looking very bright (and efficient) for those wanting electric vehicles. Hello, solid-state technology, and goodbye lithium-ion!
