Range up to 1200 kilometers: New super battery from Toyota

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Toyota is intensively researching next-generation high-voltage batteries and is building a new production facility called the “Bev Factory” by 2026. Different technologies need to be used according to the requirements of electric cars. “Just as we offer different engines, we also need different battery options. “It is important to offer battery solutions that suit a wide range of models and customer needs,” Takero Kato, head of the new Toyota BEV plant, said during a workshop.

The world’s largest automobile manufacturer is working in parallel on four new generation battery types. The first vehicles with the new battery technology are expected to hit the market as early as 2026. Batteries operate on liquid or solid electrolyte and therefore cover the range of available technologies.

Toyota’s new generation electric cars, planned to be launched in 2026, will be available with performance lithium-ion batteries. Together with better aerodynamics and lower vehicle weight, they will enable a WLTP range of more than 800 kilometers. Batteries should be able to charge from ten percent to 80 percent in 20 minutes or less. Toyota also says costs will decrease by 20 percent compared to current battery production.

To be able to offer electric cars to as wide a range of customers as possible, Toyota is also developing cheaper lithium iron phosphate batteries, such as those already fitted to the Model 3 by Tesla in China. The new battery is expected to offer 20 percent more range at 40 percent lower costs than the current battery production used in the Toyota bZ4X. Charging from 10 to 80 percent takes approximately 30 minutes at suitable charging stations. Its launch is planned for 2026 or 2027.

At the same time, the high-performance battery under development is based on lithium-ion technology and therefore also uses liquid electrolyte as the core material. It is expected to have a range of more than 1000 kilometers with improved aerodynamics and reduced vehicle weight. At fast charging stations, the charging time from 10 percent to 80 percent is expected to be 20 minutes or less. Toyota is also targeting a further ten percent reduction in cost compared to the performance battery. The battery is expected to hit the market in 2027 or 2028.

Like many other manufacturers, Toyota is intensively researching so-called solid cell batteries. The Japanese now say that they have made a technological breakthrough in the durability of lithium-ion solid-state batteries. Considered a game-changer for electric cars, the technology uses a solid electrolyte that allows ions to move faster and provides greater tolerance to high voltages and temperatures. This means solid-state batteries deliver more power in a more compact form and can be charged faster. This was previously expected to lead to a shorter lifespan. It looks like Toyota has solved this problem.

Originally focused on hybrid vehicles, the company is now focusing on mass production of solid-state batteries for next-generation electric cars. They should offer a range of around 1,000 kilometers, 20 percent more than performance batteries. Charging time from ten percent to 80 percent should be ten minutes or less. The Japanese say commercial use could be possible as early as 2027 or 2028. In addition, a much more powerful lithium-ion solid-state battery is currently under development, offering 50 percent more range than performance batteries and is therefore expected to reach around 1,200 kilometres.

Source: Blick