Tokyo, Japan – Toyota Motor Corporation and Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd., a leading Japanese petroleum company, announced a collaboration to develop mass production technology for all-solid-state batteries to be used in battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Idemitsu Kosan is involved in the exploration, production, and sale of crude oil and petroleum products. The company has also been developing solid electrolytes since 2001, using its expertise in materials and manufacturing.
The companies aim to start mass production of the all-solid-state batteries in 2027-2028, with the goal of achieving full-scale mass production in the future. All-solid-state batteries utilize solid electrolytes instead of liquid electrolytes used in conventional lithium-ion batteries. This allows for faster charging times, increased range, and higher power output.
Under the collaboration, Toyota and Idemitsu will establish a joint task force to focus on sulfide-based solid electrolytes. Idemitsu will use its pilot facilities to demonstrate mass production of the electrolytes, while Toyota will develop batteries using the electrolytes and incorporate them into BEVs.
Idemitsu President and CEO Shunichi Kito said the company’s strengths in materials and manufacturing will support Toyota’s aim to commercialize all-solid-state batteries. Toyota President and CEO Koji Sato said the collaboration will combine the companies’ expertise to realize innovations originating in Japan.
The companies aim to establish a supply chain and improve productivity to enable full-scale mass production after the 2027-2028 start. The collaboration represents a milestone toward expanding BEV options, a key part of Toyota’s vision to transform into a mobility company.
