Japanese legacy automaker Toyota partnered with oil refiner Idemitsu Kosan for the volume production of solid-state batteries for all-electric vehicles.
According to the press release, the two companies will co-develop solid electrolyte mass production technology to enhance productivity and strengthen the supply chain network.
Partnership details
Toyota and Idemitsu plan to commercialize solid-state batteries from 2027 to 2028 and eventually begin full-scale mass production.
The partnership will leverage Idemitsu’s elemental technologies R&D for solid-state batteries that started way back in 2001 and Toyota’s accumulated discoveries in solid-state batteries since 2006.
“By bringing together the material development technologies of both companies, Idemitsu’s material manufacturing technology, and Toyota’s battery mass production technology, we will engage in full-scale mass production of all-solid-state batteries.”
Toyota CEO Koji Sato
They will focus on solid electrolytes, which are critical materials for developing high-capacity batteries. According to Toyota, these materials are suited for volume production as they are “characterized by softness and adhesiveness to other materials.”
Notably, both Japanese companies launched a task force with dozens of team members to undergo the following preparation:
- Phase 1 – Development of sulfide solid electrolytes and preparation for a large pilot facility
- Phase 2 – Mass production using a large pilot facility
- Phase 3 – Study of future full-scale mass production
About Idemitsu
Idemitsu is an established Japanese petroleum firm. Japan’s second-biggest oil refiner has explored elemental technologies for solid-state batteries since 2001.
It is part of the company’s efforts to expand battery supply chains for electric vehicles. Now, it claims to have discovered an innovative approach to efficiently producing lithium sulfide using byproducts from petrol refining.
“We are confident that sulfide-based solid electrolytes are the most promising solution for battery EV issues such as cruising range and charging times.
These electrolytes are made from sulfur components generated when manufacturing petroleum products.
They are byproducts of improving petroleum products. Idemitsu discovered the usefulness of sulfur components in the mid-1990s, and through our research and technological capabilities cultivated over many years, we have succeeded in creating a solid electrolyte.”
Shunichi Kito, Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Idemitsu Kosan
According to Reuters, Idemitsu recently boosted its holdings in Australian lithium developer Delta Lithium to a notable 15% in early 2023 as it seeks to capitalize on the growing EV industry.
Toyota’s solid-state battery
Toyota claims its solid-state batteries can significantly improve electric vehicles’ driving range without compromising battery durability.
“Durability remains one of the biggest challenges in developing solid state batteries. We can now see the beginnings of a battery with both high function and lasting durability.”
Toyota Chief Executive Officer Koji Sato told reporters Thursday
Solid-state batteries can support more power than the traditional liquid electrolyte-based batteries. Therefore, industry experts expect them to further advance EV technology and accelerate the transition.
According to the Japanese automaker, solid-state batteries can enable a driving range of 1,200 km (746 miles) and just a 10-minute charging session. Moreover, it can also cut production costs by 40%.
See Also:
- Top 5 facts about Toyota’s solid-state battery
- Toyota introduces solid-state battery technology with a 745-mile range and 10-min charge time
- Toyota develops solid-state batteries to boost its electrification efforts
- Toyota plans to accelerate electric car production to 600,000+ units in 2025, report claims
- Toyota introduces advanced EV production line in Japan
Toyota’s significant efforts in advancing solid-state battery development and production are part of its wider strategy to catch up with Tesla and Chinese rivals like BYD in the EV industry. It claims to have reached a “technological breakthrough” that solves solid-state batteries’ durability issues. Toyota aims to hit 3.5 million electric vehicle sales by the end of this decade.
