√Next-generation Toyota electric-car batteries planned to double driving range

The world’s largest car maker by volume has published new details on the battery technology planned for future electric cars – which could help to boost driving range beyond 1200km.

Japanese car giant Toyota has outlined plans to boost electric-car driving range in excess of 1200km or 1500km on a charge with new battery technology.

Toyota – the world’s largest car maker by sales volume – announced in June 2023 plans for advanced ‘solid-state’ batteries that could cover well over 1000km on a charge, while charging faster and being cheaper to make than current batteries.

Now it has released new details on the stages of battery technology advancement it plans on the way to its ultimate driving-range target.

The next phase of Toyota battery technology is dubbed ‘Performance’, due in 2026 with claims of more than 800km of driving range, 10 to 80 per cent fast charging in 20 minutes, and a 20 per cent lower price than the batteries in the current Toyota BZ4X electric SUV.

They are expected to debut on a new Lexus model in 2026, which is set to be previewed by a concept at the Tokyo motor show next month.

The ‘Performance’ batteries use similar lithium-ion, monopolar chemistry to the BZ4X’s battery, which enables 500km of claimed driving range, and a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.

The roadmap includes a note in fine print that specifies the driving ranges include “aerodynamic and weight improvements” planned for future vehicles.

Due in 2026 or 2027 is bipolar lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology – dubbed ‘Popularised’ – which promises to be 40 per cent cheaper than the BZ4X’s battery, but deliver more than 600km of claimed driving range, and similar charging to today’s model.

Planned for 2028 is the ‘High Performance’ lithium-ion bipolar battery, estimated to enable more than 1000km of range on a charge, while being 10 per cent cheaper than the 2026 ‘Performance’ battery, and 10 to 80 per cent charging in 20 minutes.

Due from 2027 is the first of Toyota’s solid-state batteries, which promises more than 1000km of range, and 10-minute fast charges – before increasing to 1200km, or 1500km of range at a later date.

Toyota estimates 1.7 million of the 3.5 million electric vehicles it expects to sell globally in 2030 will use its next-generation battery technology.

“We will need various options for batteries, just as we have different types of engines. It is important to offer battery solutions compatible with a variety of models and customer needs,” said Toyota battery development executive Takero Kato told an international media event.

While it is ramping-up its electric-car development efforts, Toyota has committed to offering motorists a choice of what powers their future vehicles – petrol, diesel, hybrid, hydrogen and electric – as not all customers are ready or able to go electric.

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