Toyota is setting an ambitious goal for its next-generation solid-state batteries (SSB). The Japanese car brand is reportedly targeting an SSB lifespan of up to 40 years, around four times longer than the typical lithium-ion batteries used in almost all electrified vehicles (EVs) today.
According to Keiji Kaita, president of Toyota’s Carbon Neutral Advanced Engineering Development Center, Toyota aims to introduce this next-generation SSB technology by 2027 or 2028, Car Expert reports via an interview at this year’s Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo. This suggests that its research and development (R&D) team is already in the process of finalizing the tech’s finer details, and is almost ready to bring it out.
Toyota engineers see that the extra longevity could mean a single battery pack may outlast the vehicle itself. In theory, they envision that one SSB could be used two or three times across multiple vehicles, making it a significant leap towards sustainability and cost efficiency. Toyota estimates that this new technology could reduce the overall carbon footprint of battery production by up to 75%, as one SSB unit can replace four lithium-ion battery packs over its lifetime.
In addition to longevity, the automaker is reportedly also aiming to improve range and performance. Toyota claims that the next-generation SSB could enable vehicles equipped with it to achieve an overall driving range of more than 1,000 km from a battery pack that’s smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective to manufacture.
Kaita, however, acknowledges that, while SSBs will initially be more expensive to produce, the brand is investing heavily in scaling production and streamlining manufacturing processes to make it more viable for mass production. Early applications of the new battery are expected to appear in premium or high-performance models, before expanding to broader vehicle segments.
If successful, Toyota’s new SSB development could redefine EV ownership, offering exceptional durability, greater range, and a new benchmark for sustainable mobility.
