The automotive giant Toyota is leading the way in electric vehicle battery innovation with its revolutionary solid-state battery which will enable the company to exceed Tesla’s performance and at the same time leapfrog the entire EV industry.
The new battery technology will enable Toyota vehicles to travel 745 miles in a single recharge and could be charged to its full capacity in just 10 minutes plus are able to store twice the energy that current lithium-ion batteries can handle. Consequently, many are wondering if this innovation positions Toyota to become a formidable “Tesla killer.”
A solid-state battery differs from traditional batteries by using solid electrolytes, which are often ceramic materials instead of liquids. This transition to solid electrolytes enables battery cells to store higher amounts of energy while reducing their weight when compared to li-ion batteries which use liquid electrolytes.
Moreover, solid electrolytes offer inherent safety benefits. They are less prone to overheating and thermal runaway, reducing the risk of fires.
However, several challenges remain. The process of expanding solid-state battery production to fulfill market needs presents a major manufacturing challenge. Solid-state battery production needs new manufacturing systems together with specialized equipment that increases the cost and duration of manufacturing. Besides,the long-term operating reliability of solid-state batteries under different conditions needs to be ensured for proper implementation. To achieve commercial success Toyota needs to prove that its technology meets real-world usage requirements.
Reference- Toyota Newsroom, The Verge, Inside EVs, Futurism, Medium article