Toyota Announces Solid-State Battery Production Starting in 2026

Toyota will be one of the first automakers to launch passenger cars with solid-state batteries. This would be a breakthrough that would significantly improve the performance of electric vehicles. Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry confirmed Toyota’s plans to start producing solid-state batteries by 2026. Mass production is expected to begin around 2030.

Delivering faster charging times and longer driving ranges, these batteries represent a major advancement in automotive technology, with a driving range of up to 1,000 km (621 miles) on a full charge, potentially extending to 750 miles (750 miles). Charging could be completed in just 10 minutes, addressing one of the key challenges of current EV technology. Toyota initially announced plans to launch a solid-state vehicle in 2020, but delayed it due to production feasibility issues. However, a breakthrough in June 2023 moved the project forward, increasing the battery’s theoretical range by 20%.

Toyota’s production plans will be limited initially, but will expand in stages from 2027 to 2028 to reach an annual production target of 9 gigawatt-hours. In the meantime, the Japanese government plans to support battery manufacturing to develop domestic production capacity and reduce the large investments required.

Toyota’s first solid-state vehicle will likely be a hybrid rather than a fully electric vehicle, but this approach could help contain costs, as EV-sized solid-state battery packs would significantly increase vehicle prices. Other automakers are also looking at solid-state technology. For example, SAIC’s MG plans to launch its first solid-state vehicle by 2025, and IM Motor has already introduced the L6, which features a 133kWh semi-solid battery with excellent range and fast charging capabilities.

Solid-state batteries could fundamentally change the electric vehicle market. They offer better efficiency, longer range, and faster charging, key factors that could bring electric vehicles to the mainstream. Toyota’s 2026 launch will mark the beginning of this new era in automotive technology.