Japanese oil giant Idemitsu Kosan broke ground on a large-scale solid electrolyte pilot plant in collaboration with Toyota on Thursday. The electrolytes made at the facility will be used in all-solid-state batteries for EVs developed by Toyota.
Toyota and Idemitsu advance all-solid-state EV batteries
Idemitsu announced it had made a final investment decision and begun construction on the large-scale pilot plant to produce solid electrolytes.
After two small-scale demonstration facilities proved successful, the company said it will move forward with plans to build a large-scale pilot plant.
The new electrolyte facility is expected to be complete by the end of 2027. Toyota aims to launch EVs equipped with all-solid-state batteries in 2027 or 2028.
It will be available in limited batches initially as it scales toward commercialization. Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) has already approved the planned construction site. Once up and running, Idemitsu expects the facility to have an annual production capacity of several hundred tons.
Last year, Toyota revealed a solid-state battery pack prototype that it claimed could deliver 1,200 km (745 miles) range and charge in under 10 minutes.
The Japanese automaker is working with several partners, including Idemitsu and Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. to mass-produce the new battery tech.
Last October, Toyota said it aims “to achieve the world’s first practical use of all-solid-state batteries in BEVs.” Using Sumitomo Metal Mining’s proprietary powder-synthesis technology, Toyota claimed to have developed a “highly durable cathode material” for all-solid-state batteries.
Electrek’s Take
We’ve been hearing it for years now, “Toyota is launching solid-state EV batteries,” but over the past few months, several companies, not just Toyota, have made meaningful progress on commercializing the new battery tech.
In September, Mercedes-Benz drove a modified EQS, equipped with solid-state batteries, for nearly 750 miles (1,205 km).
Mercedes is one of several automakers, including Hyundai and Stellantis, working with US-based Factorial Energy to use solid-state batteries in upcoming electric vehicles.
Several Chinese automakers are testing solid-state batteries in vehicles, including Dongfeng and FAW Group.
Solid-state batteries are often called the “holy grail” of battery technology, promising significant improvements in range and charging times, with higher energy density than traditional lithium-ion batteries. However, challenges scaling the batteries, including finding the proper electrolyte and higher manufacturing costs, have made it a challenge to mass-produce.
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