Toyota, Idemitsu Collaborate To Commercialise All-Solid-State Batteries For BEVs

Toyota Motor will work with Idemitsu Kosan, one of Japan's leading energy companies, to accelerate the development of all-solid-state batteries. The batteries are expected to be installed in Toyota's battery EVs between 2027 and 2028. The technology is expected to enter mass production after 2030.

Toyota's president and CEO, Koji Sato, and Idemitsu's president and CEO, Shunichi Kito, announced the partnership on October 12. The two companies will collaborate on the development of mass-production technology for sulphide solid electrolytes as well as the establishment of a supply chain to enable the mass production of all-solid-state batteries for BEVs.

The total investment made by Toyota and Idemitsu in the commercialization of the batteries is unknown. Sato stated at a press conference on Thursday that solid electrolytes allow ions, which transport electricity in a battery, to move faster. Solid-state batteries will allow EV charging times to be reduced while increasing driving range.

He also mentioned that solid-state batteries have high stability because they are resistant to temperature changes. They are particularly resistant to high temperatures and voltages. He added that the smaller size of the batteries will allow for a larger vehicle cabin. In the first phase of their collaboration, Toyota and Idemitsu will focus on the quality, costs, and lead times of sulphide solid electrolytes, according to a joint announcement.

Sato stated that certain levels of battery volume must be reached before cost-cutting efforts can begin. The two companies will begin producing all-solid-state batteries for BEVs in 2027 and 2028, laying the groundwork for mass production, which will begin after 2030. The Toyota president mentioned that solid-state battery durability has long been an issue. Charging and discharging the batteries repeatedly will cause cracks between the cathode, anode, and solid electrolyte, reducing performance.

Toyota and Idemitsu, he said, have developed a crack-resistant material to address the issue and are on track to begin mass production.

Idemitsu stated that it intends to build a large pilot facility to aid in the commercialization of the jointly developed batteries between 2027 and 2028. Its Chiba, Japan, manufacturing complex is one of the candidates for the pilot facility.