Solid-State Batteries: The Future of Electric Vehicles?
Toyota has recently announced a “breakthrough” in solid-state battery research, which could ultimately lead to electric vehicles (EVs) with a range of more than 900 miles. Solid-state batteries are so-called because they use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, as in today’s lithium-ion batteries. They have a much greater energy density than current-generation batteries, which means that manufacturers could drastically increase the range of electrified vehicles without also incurring a size or weight penalty. Additionally, they could provide a range comparable with today’s EVs while significantly reducing weight, potentially making electric lightweight sports cars possible.
Toyota hinted at the sorts of EVs this technology could facilitate in 2021 when then-president Akio Toyoda revealed 15 electric concept cars, including a low-slung, GR-branded two-seater in the mould of the old Toyota MR2. Toyota has also said that the electric successor to the Lexus LFA is likely to use a solid-state battery and will feature a bespoke manual gearbox to make it more engaging to drive, which will be a first for a mass-production EV.
Toyota is accelerating its development of solid-state batteries following a “technological breakthrough” in their durability and is fast progressing with plans to ultimately produce EVs with more than 930 miles of range. Toyota said in a recent strategy update that it was developing a mass-production method for its current solid-state cells, eyeing a launch between 2027 and 2028. The introduction of these cells would give a 20% improvement in driving range compared with Toyota’s next-generation lithium-ion batteries, to around 745 miles. This solid-state pack will also be capable of charging from 10-80% in less than 10 minutes.
Following the introduction of these cells and “with an eye to the future,” Toyota will develop a “higher-level specification.” This will improve range by 50% compared with new lithium-ion cells, allowing a staggering 932 miles between recharges. Toyota isn’t alone in believing that it can commercialize solid-state batteries at last, following years of delays across the industry. Nissan’s senior vice-president for research and development in Europe, David Moss, told Autocar in February that Nissan aims to bring the technology to market in 2028. BMW also announced a deal allowing it to build partner Solid Power’s solid-state cells in Munich, Germany. It aims to demonstrate these in a car within the next year and a half.
Solid-state batteries have been touted as the future of EVs for some time now, but the technology has been slow to develop. However, recent breakthroughs in research and development have led to renewed interest in solid-state batteries, with many experts predicting that they could become the dominant battery technology in the coming years.
The Benefits of Solid-State Batteries
Solid-state batteries offer several benefits over traditional lithium-ion batteries. Firstly, they have a much higher energy density, which means that they can store more energy in a smaller space. This is particularly important for electric vehicles, where space is at a premium and weight is a major concern. By using solid-state batteries, manufacturers could significantly increase the range of their EVs without also incurring a size or weight penalty.
Secondly, solid-state batteries are much safer than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This is because they do not use a flammable liquid electrolyte, which can be a fire hazard if it leaks or overheats. Instead, they use a solid electrolyte, which is much less likely to catch fire or explode.
Finally, solid-state batteries are much faster to charge than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This is because they can handle higher charging currents without overheating or degrading. This means that EVs with solid-state batteries could be charged much more quickly, making them more convenient for drivers.
The Challenges of Solid-State Batteries
Despite their many benefits, solid-state batteries are not without their challenges. One of the biggest challenges is cost. Solid-state batteries are currently much more expensive to produce than traditional lithium-ion batteries, which could make them prohibitively expensive for many consumers.
Another challenge is scalability. While solid-state batteries have been demonstrated in the automotive industry, they have not yet been produced at scale. This means that it is still unclear whether they can be produced in large quantities at a reasonable cost.
Finally, there is the issue of compatibility. Solid-state batteries require different charging infrastructure than traditional lithium-ion batteries, which means that existing charging stations may need to be upgraded or replaced to accommodate them.
Conclusion
Solid-state batteries have the potential to revolutionize the electric vehicle industry by providing higher energy density, increased safety, and faster charging times. While there are still challenges to overcome, recent breakthroughs in research and development have renewed interest in solid-state batteries, with many experts predicting that they could become the dominant battery technology in the coming years. As more manufacturers invest in solid-state battery technology, we can expect to see a new generation of electric vehicles with longer ranges, faster charging times, and improved safety.