No doubt exasperated to have to face criticism over the delay in the development of its range of electric vehicles and the delay in the ignition of its electric SUV bz4X, Toyota has finally decided to lift the veil on part of its game. We discover that there is no shortage of assets. The proof that the world number one should not be underestimated. Rather than persisting in riding the current train with technologies that will quickly become obsolete, the Japanese manufacturer has preferred to focus its energy on the technologies of tomorrow.
At a recent technical seminar, Toyota announced a new generation of batteries for 2026. It would allow a huge gap compared to what we know today and would contribute to a better adhesion of electric vehicles, by removing a large part of the obstacles inherent in the technology.
The Japanese manufacturer has developed four new generation batteries with liquid or solid electrolyte that will appear gradually. The first to see the light of day in 2026 will be liquid electrolyte models. Compared to the models currently used by all electric vehicles, the new technology will see its energy density and charging speed increase while the cost will fall. Two versions are programmed according to vehicles and positioning. The entry-level battery will be based on bipolar structure technology and will use lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO) to reduce costs by 40% compared to the current bZ4X. Available by 2026-2027, this battery will see its autonomy increase by 20% and will ensure a charging time of up to 30 minutes on a fast charging station. Toyota has also planned a Performance lithium-ion version. If the cost gain will be limited to 20% compared to the bz4X, the range should increase to more than 800 km. This will represent a hell of an improvement over current performance. By 2027-2028, the Japanese manufacturer even announces a range of 1,000 km thanks to a lightweighting cure carried out on the vehicle and high-performance batteries combining the bipolar structure with lithium-ion and a cathode with a high nickel content.
Toyota
But the real technological breakthrough will come when Toyota introduces its lithium-ion solid-state batteries that allow faster ion movement and greater tolerance to high voltages and temperatures. Not content with up to 1,000 km of range, the solid-state battery will only need 10 minutes to go from 10 to 80% charge.
