The automotive industry is set for yet another big leap next year, as Toyota is reportedly on the verge of rolling out its “game-changing” solid-state battery.
According to Nikkei Asia, the Japanese carmaker plans to be the first to sell solid-state battery-powered EVs this decade, and that it will be unveiling a prototype in 2021. Toyota promises that the new battery will “be a game-changer not just for electric vehicles, but for an entire industry.”
So, what’s up with all the hype, then? Well, solid-state batteries are expected to become a viable alternative to the usual lithium-ion units that we see in most electric vehicles today. These new power packs offer greater energy density as well as lower risks of fire.
Toyota claims that its newly developed batteries can also enable a maximum EV range of 500km in one full charge and a zero to 100% charging time of just 10 minutes, “all with minimal safety concerns.” The carmaker adds that with these new batteries, its EVs will boast a maximum range that’s double of what it would have been able to achieve with a traditional lithium-ion battery—and this is achieved without legroom being compromised to accommodate a larger battery pack. Nice.
Toyota has yet to specify when exactly we’ll be seeing the new battery—as well as the prototype it’ll be powering—in action. One thing’s for sure: We’ll be keeping an eye out for it ourselves.
As it stands, other automotive manufacturers that are looking to use solid-state battery technology include Nissan and Volkswagen. The former plans to build a non-simulation vehicle by 2028, while the latter has its sights set on commencing battery production as early as 2025.
What do you make of this development? Is this the kind of advancement in the industry that you’d like to see come into fruition?
ten-million on December 11st, 2020 at 06:32 UTC »
Strange, this comes out just after Quantamscape’s announcement. I wonder if Toyota bought a license or what. It’s odd that two companies would announce solid state battery breakthroughs in the same week.
thatsdirkdiggler on December 11st, 2020 at 05:56 UTC »
Forget about 500km range. The fully charged in 10 minutes is the game changer. On a cross country drive you could park your car for charging, grab some snacks, take a bathroom break, etc. and it'll be ready by the time you're done.
GeorgeEliotsCock on December 11st, 2020 at 02:20 UTC »
Fully charged in 10 minutes? Thats pretty fantastic