Toyota plans to roll out 1.7 million EVs with the new solid-state batteries by 2026. (Image Credit: Toyota)
On June 13th, Toyota announced plans to introduce a new line of solid-state batteries designed to provide EVs with additional range, starting with 600+ miles in 2026 and 900 miles after 2028. The automaker revealed new technologies meant to improve EV performance and says the next-gen EV (Lexus) runs on a new lithium-ion battery and expects to roll out in 2026.
Toyota also predicts that it will sell 1.5 million electric vehicles annually by 2026. Starting in 2026-2027, the company plans on deploying its bipolar lithium iron phosphate battery, leading to 40% in savings versus the earlier version. In addition, an advanced bipolar lithium-ion battery offering a 10% driving range increase will start production in 2027-2028.
According to Toyota, the tech could allow it to produce approximately 1.7 million electric vehicles built around the new architecture by 2030 and have solid-state batteries by 2027. The Japanese automaker claims the batteries could provide a 20% range boost compared to its next-gen lithium-ion batteries. Meanwhile, the advanced solid-state battery set to launch after 2028 could increase the vehicle’s range by 50%, which surpasses 900 miles of driving.
Additionally, Toyota sought inspiration from Tesla’s Giga Presses to use Giga casting technology, which simplifies and speeds up vehicle production. Giga casting would be used instead of the standard method that builds separate components on a conveyer belt and moves the aluminum car through the assembly line. It could also reduce factory investment costs by 50%. Within two to three years, it wants to create ultra-aerodynamic designs that have less than a 0.20 drag coefficient.
Even though the automaker aims to develop carbon-free vehicles in the US starting in 2025, it still plans to manufacture hydrogen-powered vehicles and internal combustion engine cars. Toyota’s bZ4X crossover, which has a 252-mile driving range, is the only EV on sale.
I don't see the EV version of the AE86 in this plan... Toyota is slipping.
Have a story tip? Message me at: http://twitter.com/Cabe_Atwell