Toyota expects significantly more range

Toyota is currently developing new, more powerful high-voltage batteries for the next generation of electric cars from 2026. Current vehicles mainly use high-voltage batteries with liquid electrolyte. In order to improve energy density, costs and charging times, Toyota is developing this technology further and using different materials.

The performance lithium-ion batteries that will be launched with the next generation of EVs, combined with better aerodynamics and lower vehicle weight, are expected to enable WLTP ranges of more than 800 kilometers. Within 20 minutes or less, the batteries can be charged from ten to 80 percent. At the same time, costs will be reduced by 20 percent compared with the current generation of batteries.

In parallel, Toyota is working on even more cost-effective batteries. The so-called "Popularization" battery is based on the bipolar technology that Toyota has already introduced with its nickel metal hydride hybrid batteries and uses lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO) as the core material. The battery is expected to offer 20 percent more range at 40 percent lower cost compared to the current generation of batteries. Charging from ten to 80 percent takes about 30 minutes at appropriate charging stations. Market launch is conceivable in 2026 or 2027.

The new high-performance battery, also under development, could be ready for the market in 2027 or 2028. It combines the bipolar structure with lithium ion chemistry and a nickel cathode. Combined with improved aerodynamics and reduced vehicle weight, the aim is to achieve a range of more than 1000 kilometers. At fast-charging stations, the charging time from ten to 80 percent is expected to be 20 minutes or less. Toyota is also aiming for a further ten percent cost reduction compared with the performance battery.

In addition, the company says it has made a breakthrough in the durability of lithium-ion solid-state batteries. The technology, considered a gamechanger for electric cars, delivers more power in a more compact form and enables faster charging. Until now, this had been expected to result in a shorter service life. Toyota wants to have solved this problem.

Originally intended for hybrid vehicles, the company is now focusing on the mass production of solid-state batteries for next-generation electric cars. They also offer around 1000 kilometers of range, 20 percent more than performance batteries. Charging time from ten to 80 percent is ten minutes or less. Commercial use is expected to be possible in 2027 or 2028.

In addition, an even more powerful lithium-ion solid-state battery is already under development, which is expected to offer 50 percent more range than current performance batteries. (aum)