Toyota has unveiled its ambitious plan for the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs) featuring a range of 500 miles by 2026. The company’s battery technology “roadmap” also includes the development of solid-state batteries, with the first expected to be introduced in 2027-2028, offering a range of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) and an 80% charge in just 10 minutes. Toyota envisions that advanced cell technologies could eventually extend an EV’s driving range to over 746 miles (1,200 km) and possibly even up to 932 miles (1,500 km).
In terms of near-term developments, Toyota is working on two batteries: a lithium-ion Performance cell and a lithium-iron-phosphate “Popularisation” battery for entry-level EVs. The Performance battery will be replaced by a lithium-ion High Performance pack with a range of 621 miles, which will also be 10% cheaper and charge in 20 minutes.
Toyota has already introduced its first electric crossover, the bZ4X, equipped with a 150-kilowatt motor and a 71.4-kilowatt-hour battery that provides an estimated range of 252 miles. The company plans to globally market 3.5 million EVs by 2030, offering a diverse range of models and power specifications.
In addition to improving battery technology, Toyota is also focusing on reducing the thickness of battery packs to enhance passenger comfort and improve vehicle aerodynamics. The battery thickness in the bZ4X is already at 150 mm (5.9 inches) but will be reduced to 120 mm (4.7 inches) for regular vehicles and 100 mm (3.9 inches) for sports cars.
“We will need various options for batteries, just as we have different types of engines,” said Takero Kato, president of Toyota’s EV development center. “It’s important to offer battery solutions compatible with a variety of models and customer needs.”
With this forward-thinking approach, Toyota aims to be at the forefront of the EV revolution, delivering cutting-edge technology and pushing the boundaries of range and performance.
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