Toyota has secretly developed a solid electrolyte battery for electric vehicles with a range of 1,200 km and a charging time of 10 minutes, revolutionizing the automotive industry.
A leap forward for EV batteries
Toyota, long seen as opposed to electric vehicles, has quietly been working on a revolutionary solid electrolyte battery. Capable of offering a range of 1,200 km and a charging time of just 10 minutes, this innovation could transform the electric vehicle (EV) market. For the first time in the history of mass-produced EVs, an electric car could offer the same range as a combustion engine vehicle.
This major breakthrough promises to relieve many EV drivers from frequent charging stops. Long family trips will become more enjoyable and less financially burdensome, making EVs more attractive to consumers accustomed to gasoline vehicles.
The technology behind the solid electrolyte battery
A solid-state battery uses a solid electrolyte to store electricity, unlike traditional batteries which use a liquid or paste electrolyte. These batteries are already commonly used in small devices like pacemakers and RFID tags. Thanks to their high energy density, they seem to be an ideal solution for electric vehicles. However, they present challenges, including reduced performance in cold weather and rapid degradation after multiple charge-discharge cycles, in addition to their high cost.
The development of solid-state battery technology has been driven by the rise of EVs. Toyota claims to have resolved the range and weight issues of these batteries, which could mark a turning point for the industry.
Impact on Toyota's hydrogen cars
Toyota has long focused on hydrogen cars, as evidenced by the Toyota Mirai, which has become the emblem of hydrogen vehicles. The Mirai, with its design reminiscent of the Camry, aims to normalize the use of hydrogen. Toyota also announced a hydrogen variant of its Crown luxury sedan, available only in Japan.
For a while, it looked like Toyota was betting on hydrogen to outperform batteries. However, with this advancement in solid-state batteries, it is clear that the company is now taking a dual approach to the post-internal combustion engine (ICE) future, developing both battery and hydrogen vehicles .
A change of direction for Toyota
Toyota has historically been cautious about integrating EVs into its current lineup, in part due to the failure of its previous attempt with the electric Rav4. Sold between 2012 and 2014, this model had a range of only 165 km, insufficient even for the shortest daily journeys. After this disappointing experience, Toyota seemed to have abandoned EVs until the introduction of the bZ4x in 2022, an SUV with a range of around 400 km, meeting the standard for current EVs.
However, Toyota is not rushing into production of long-range fully electric vehicles. The first vehicles equipped with this new battery should be hybrids, available from 2027 or 2028. This cautious approach allows Toyota to test the reliability of the battery while ensuring sufficient autonomy thanks to the internal combustion engine.
Toyota's track record of innovative technology
Toyota has a long history of delivering cutting-edge designs in practical vehicles. The Prius, the world's first hybrid car, is an emblematic example. Similarly, Toyota produced the Previa, probably the world's only mid-engined minivan, requiring access under the front seat for oil changes.
Toyota has often reserved its technical innovations for everyday vehicles, proving that innovation can go hand in hand with practicality. This philosophy could well apply to the new solid-state battery, offering significant advances while remaining true to Toyota's brand image.
A surprise for the EV industry
Toyota's promises about this battery seem almost too good to be true. Even Tesla, the leader in EVs, has failed to produce a vehicle offering the same range as a car with a combustion engine. If Toyota can deliver on its promises, it could surpass all other current players in the EV industry.
With a range of 1,200 km and a charging time of 10 minutes, Toyota could well redefine expectations when it comes to electric vehicles. This technological advancement could reposition Toyota at the top of the EV market, proving once again that innovation is at the heart of the company's strategy.
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