Toyota, one of the leading automakers in the world, has announced its plan to make an all solid-state battery as part of its ambitious plans for battery electric vehicles. The automaker aims for a commercial solid-state battery by 2027, which will reduce charging time to 10 minutes or less. This move comes amid mounting criticism, as Japan’s top automaker is facing pressure to do more to fight climate change.
Toyota’s plan to deliver 1.5 million electric vehicles by 2026 will be made possible by expanding its battery electric vehicle lineup and developing technology. The company said in a statement that, “With the evolution of the vehicle’s operating system, the next-generation battery EV will also enable customization of the ‘driving feel,’ with a focus on acceleration, turning and stopping.”
EV owners usually have charging stations in their homes and keep their cars plugged in overnight to recharge. However, one of the main drawbacks of electric vehicles is charging time. This is why Toyota has long insisted that hybrids are a better solution. A hybrid recharges as the car runs, but it also has a gasoline engine in addition to an electric motor.
Toyota President, Koji Sato, has admitted that the company needs to play catch up after falling behind in the EV sector. The automaker is likely to face harsh criticism on its climate change commitments at a shareholders’ meeting in Toyota city, central Japan, set for Wednesday.
In addition to the all solid-state battery, Toyota is also working on innovating lithium-ion batteries, which are currently the battery type used in most EVs. The automaker wants to offer new affordable options. Furthermore, Toyota says it is committed to a “hydrogen society” and is continuing to work on models powered by hydrogen, including fuel cell vehicles.
Hydrogen is still expensive and usually made using fossil fuels, although it can be made using renewable energy. Toyota said it’s working with various partners to produce cleaner and cheaper hydrogen. The automaker is also working on second-generation biofuels. Biofuels, such as ethanol, are considered more renewable than fossil fuels, though they have other drawbacks.
Toyota’s announcement of the development of an all solid-state battery for EVs is a significant step towards achieving its goal of delivering 1.5 million electric vehicles by 2026. While Toyota is still committed to hybrids and other alternative technologies, the automaker recognizes the need to do more to fight climate change. Toyota’s efforts to innovate lithium-ion batteries, produce cleaner and cheaper hydrogen, and work on second-generation biofuels are all part of the company’s commitment to a more sustainable future.
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