Revolutionizing Longevity: Toyota’s 40-Year Solid-State Battery Technology

Toyota has announced that it is set to introduce solid-state batteries to its vehicles by “2027-2028,” with a shelf-life of up to 40 years – four times longer than the current lifespan of most electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This technology has been praised by manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz as a game-changer for EVs.

Solid-state battery (SSB) technology is expected to revolutionize the electric vehicle industry by offering a range of over 1000km on a single charge from a smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective battery pack compared to existing batteries. The 2026 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, for example, claims a range of 750km on the more realistic WLTP cycle.

The new solid-state batteries from Toyota are projected to outperform current batteries with a lifespan that exceeds the life of the vehicle itself. This opens up possibilities for battery swaps between cars and justifies the higher initial costs in the long run.

Keiji Kaita, the president of Toyota’s Carbon Neutral Advanced Engineering Development Centre, revealed that SSBs may initially come at a higher price point. However, Toyota is working with suppliers to optimize costs and make the technology more accessible.

While the solid-state battery technology may debut in Lexus or Century models before reaching mainstream vehicles like the next-generation Toyota Corolla, Toyota assures that the longevity of their SSBs will provide owners with better value over time.

With a claimed lifespan four times longer than current battery packs, Toyota’s SSBs are designed to maintain 90% capacity even after 40 years of use. This longevity not only benefits car owners but also reduces the carbon footprint of production by 75% compared to traditional batteries.

In collaboration with Sumitomo Metal Mining, Toyota is gearing up for mass production of cathode materials for SSBs. While specific vehicle models for SSB integration have not been confirmed, Toyota is on track to introduce this technology to showroom models by “2027-2028.”

The bZ4X SUV, Toyota’s current EV offering in Australia, will soon be joined by the bZ4X Touring, set for a local launch in 2026. The future looks bright for Toyota as they lead the way in sustainable and innovative battery technology for electric vehicles.