The competition in the electric vehicle (EV) industry is intensifying. Tesla, which once dominated the market, is now facing strong competition from brands like Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW.

Toyota, though slower to enter the EV race, has now incorporated solid-state battery technology into its plans. Compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries offer major benefits in terms of weight, range, cost, and more.

Toyota is beating its competitors in the development of solid-state batteries. If the automaker succeeds in advancing this technology and penetrating the market, it would be a game-changer for the EV market.

Toyota EVs and Their Batteries

With regard to EVs, Toyota plans to adopt a “multi-pathway approach,” allowing it to introduce optimal powertrain solutions tailored to each region where its cars will be sold.

According to HotCars, Toyota aims to have at least 15 fully electric vehicles in its lineup by 2025. This is a significant expansion from its current electric lineup, which includes only the bZ4X model.

Initially, Toyota’s EVs will continue to use traditional lithium-ion batteries, as solid-state technology is still very new. Toyota has over 1,000 patents related to solid-state battery technology, demonstrating its commitment to maximizing EV range.

Toyota plans to expand its EV range in two stages. Initially, the aim is to develop lithium-ion batteries by 2026 that can provide a range of 620 miles. Subsequently, solid-state batteries will be introduced, enabling a total range of 745 miles.

This development would position Toyota as the leading EV manufacturer in terms of range, outpacing rivals like Tesla. Additionally, the new batteries would feature significantly reduced charging times, with some vehicles requiring only 10 minutes to fully charge.

Why Toyota’s Solid-State Batteries Will Be the Best

Solid-state batteries offer significant advantages over conventional lithium-ion batteries.

Most notably, solid-state batteries have higher energy density. This provides consumers with extended range and reduced charging time. While lithium-ion batteries require around 30 minutes of charging time with the fastest level 3 DC chargers, solid-state batteries can be fully charged in as little as 10 minutes.

Additionally, solid-state batteries are more cost-effective to manufacture, as they use fewer rare materials. Furthermore, the higher energy density of solid-state batteries allows for smaller and lighter designs, leading to electric vehicles with reduced weight.

Tesla is currently ignoring the potential of solid-state battery technology. The company is instead aiming to increase the power of lithium-ion batteries.

Tesla is currently working on the 4680 lithium-ion battery. However, even when this battery is complete, it will only enable a maximum range of 470 miles. This is well below the 745-mile range that Toyota is envisioning with its solid-state batteries.

Solid-State Battery Production Timeline

Toyota is taking a cautious approach to the development of solid-state batteries despite recognizing the clear benefits. The company understands that getting it right will give them a significant edge over its competitors.

Toyota, through its partnership with Prime Planet Energy & Solution Inc, is actively working on solid-state battery technology. The goal is to surpass the current lithium-ion technology and have mass-produced vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries by the end of the 2020s.

If Toyota succeeds, it will have a major advantage over other EV makers. The company will be in a position to shape the future of the industry in a way that has not been possible before.

By wisely choosing to emphasize solid-state battery production, Toyota is crushing Tesla in the EV battery war. 

Image Source: Dustin “Pelón” P., https://shorturl.at/bEV19