"Toyota declared a significant breakthrough regarding solid-state batteries, promising a potential solution to electric vehicle challenges"
In the ever-evolving world of automotive technology, Toyota is making a significant move towards solving the charging time and driving range issues in electric cars. The Japanese automaker is working on a solution using solid-state batteries, a technology that is widely believed to be the key to making electric sports cars, utes, and four-wheel drives successful by reducing the weight needed for electrification.
Hiroki Nakajima, Toyota's Executive Vice President, recently discussed the importance of solid-state batteries in an interview. Nakajima, however, warned that there is no certainty Toyota will be able to develop solid-state batteries on a large scale.
Solid-state batteries, unlike their current electric car counterparts, use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid or gel. This makes them more energy dense, meaning smaller batteries can provide more driving range. In fact, Mercedes-Benz claims that its solid-state battery boosts range by 25% compared to current batteries, a promising step towards batteries that could potentially boost range by 80%.
Toyota isn't the only brand investing in this technology. BMW, Chery, GWM, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and Nissan are also working on solid-state batteries. Interestingly, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have already installed solid-state batteries in prototype cars for testing and development purposes.
Chinese carmakers have announced on-sale dates for vehicles fitted with solid-state batteries as early as 2026, but none have yet put prototypes on the road. The technology offers faster charging times, higher output for longer range, and improved durability compared to current batteries.
Currently, no large-scale industrial production of solid-state batteries is ongoing in Germany. Key challenges delay mass production until approximately 2027 or 2028, as experts indicate. A German startup, Voltfang, is producing stationary battery storage from recycled lithium-ion batteries in Aachen but not solid-state batteries. Northvolt’s planned factory in Schleswig-Holstein, which could potentially include advanced battery production, remains in confidential negotiation stages and has not started production yet.
Dom Tripolone, the news editor of this article, reports on this exciting development in the automotive industry, as Toyota joins the race for solid-state batteries, aiming to revolutionise the electric car landscape.
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