Toyota is on the cusp of a major leap in electric vehicle technology with solid-state batteries (SSB) slated for production by 2028. These batteries promise to blow past the limitations of current lithium-ion packs, delivering longer driving ranges, faster recharge times, and greater durability all in smaller, lighter packages. This breakthrough could redefine what electric cars are capable of.
Solid-state batteries ditch the liquid electrolyte and replace it with a solid material, dramatically improving energy density. Toyota’s prototype packs hint at a staggering 745 miles of range on a single charge, with charging times slashed to under 10 minutes, figures that would shake up the EV landscape if realized in mass production.
At the forefront of this move is Toyota’s plan to deploy the technology first in performance electric cars. The expected debut model is likely a radical successor to the Lexus LFA supercar, a sleek, ultra-low vehicle that demands high power output combined with long range. This pairing makes SSBs the perfect fit, leveraging their compact size and power density.
Toyota’s advancement hinges on a significant partnership with Sumitomo Metal Mining, which has solved historic issues with cathode material degradation during recharging cycles. This breakthrough enables mass production and promises batteries that last longer, reducing environmental impact by cutting carbon emissions from manufacturing and extending battery service life.
This timeline to 2028 aligns with Toyota’s broader multi-pathway electrification approach. While other manufacturers chase semi-solid-state batteries or incremental upgrades, Toyota targets full solid-state technology for a step change in EV usability.
Though the launch is still a few years away and prototypes haven’t hit the road yet, Toyota’s steady progress and industrial alliances make the arrival of true all-solid-state battery electric vehicles increasingly likely. The implication for performance EVs is huge, promising a future where you can charge near-instantly and drive relentlessly without compromise.
For Toyota, this is the foundation for the next era of electric performance, a bullettrain ride into a sustainable and electrified future where range anxiety and long charging waits become relics of the past.
