Toyota Motor has signed an agreement with local energy conglomerate Idemitsu Kosan to co-develop “mass production technologies for solid electrolytes, improve productivity and establish a supply chain for mass production of all solid state batteries” for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The two companies aim to “lead the world" in the development of materials for solid state batteries, with a view to beginning commercial production in the 2027-28 fiscal year, as had previously been announced at the 'Toyota Technical Workshop' last June.
Toyota noted Idemitsu has been working on research and development of elemental technology for solid state batteries since 2001 while its own research in this area started in 2006.
The collaboration will focus on sulphide solid electrolytes which are seen as one of the most promising materials to achieve the high capacity and high energy output required of BEV batteries. Sulphide solid electrolytes are pliable and adhesive to other materials, making them suitable for battery mass production.
The two companies have established task forces to achieve their mass production schedule with an initial focus on improving existing sulphide solid electrolyte quality, production cost and lead times.
Idemitsu will build a large pilot production with the aim of optimising mass production technology while Toyota will focus on battery development and related BEV technology.
