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Photo: Toyota Newsroom.
Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are at the center of the most significant technological leap in electric vehicle (EV) energy storage as of 2025, promising to overcome the limitations of today’s lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with breakthroughs in range, charging speed, and safety.
Photo: Toyota Newsroom.
As of 2025, this is the current state of SSB science, global supply chain dynamics, and the environmental implications of sourcing critical materials like lithium and sulfur-a pivotal shift as the industry prioritizes Scope 2 and 3 emission reductions.
Photo: Toyota Newsroom.
Unlike conventional LIBs, which use flammable liquid electrolytes, SSBs employ solid ceramic or polymer electrolytes, enabling much higher energy density, rapid charging, and greater thermal stability.
Photo: Toyota Newsroom.
In an SSB, lithium ions move through a solid electrolyte during charging and discharging cycles. When charging, lithium ions travel from the cathode through the solid electrolyte and are stored in the anode, often made of lithium metal.
Photo: Toyota Newsroom.
By eliminating liquid electrolytes, Toyota’s SSBs reduce thermal runaway risks, a critical safety advantage. Early road tests in modified EVs demonstrate ranges exceeding 745 km (463 miles) on a single charge, with charging times under 10 minutes.
Photo: Toyota Newsroom.
Toyota Tsusho, Toyota’s trading arm, has prioritized partnerships with geothermal lithium startups since 2008 to secure low-carbon lithium. This aligns with Toyota’s goal to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 30% by 2030, as outlined in its 2024 North American Environmental Sustainability Report.
Photo: Toyota Newsroom.
“I want to change the future of car-making through Toyota’s skill. To achieve this, we need to evolve the monozukuri strengths that only Toyota possesses through the fusion of skills/technology and digital & innovative technologies, and to shorten lead times, to be agile and continually take on challenges.” – Kazuaki Shingo, Chief Production Officer, Toyota.
Photo: Toyota Newsroom.
Photo: Toyota Newsroom.
Photo: Toyota Newsroom.