Toyota Motor has announced plans to incorporate cutting-edge technologies, such as high-performance solid-state batteries, into its electric vehicles (EVs) to enhance their range, performance, and cost-effectiveness. This bold move by the Japanese car giant aims to launch the next-gen batteries from 2026 onwards to entice consumers with cars that offer longer travel distances and faster recharging capabilities.
Furthermore, the company is innovating to find a method for mass production of these solid-state batteries, with plans for their commercial rollout between 2027 and 2028.
This announcement came just a day before Toyota’s yearly shareholder meeting, where its strategy and governance will be closely examined. It provided the most comprehensive reveal of Toyota’s approach to staking its claim in the rapidly expanding EV market, where it’s been playing catch-up with competitors.
The news pushed Toyota’s stock up by 4.45%, reaching 2,161 yen.
The automaker revealed its plan to launch an EV powered by a highly efficient lithium-ion battery with a range of 1,000 km (621 miles), outpacing the Tesla Model Y’s long-range version – the best-selling EV globally – which boasts a range of about 530 km based on US testing standards.
Toyota refrained from disclosing the cost projections, manufacturing location of its proposed long-range EV, or any details regarding producing its next-gen solid-state batteries. The required investment for these projects also remains confidential.
Toyota also shared its intentions to implement other technologies to cut costs for its EVs and batteries. It aims to employ a “self-propelling” assembly line and Giga casting, adopting a manufacturing innovation originally introduced by Tesla, the US EV market leader.
Takero Kato, president of Toyota’s new EV unit BEV Factory, stated in a video on the company’s YouTube channel, “We aspire to reshape the future with BEVs. We plan to introduce next-gen battery EVs as a comprehensive lineup in the global market from 2026.”
