Japan’s second-largest oil refiner, Idemitsu Kosan Co Ltd, announced plans on Thursday to build a large-scale lithium sulphide plant at its Chiba refinery, located near Tokyo. This facility aims to produce a key material essential for all-solid-state batteries, which are anticipated to enhance the performance and safety of electric vehicles (EVs).
This initiative is part of Idemitsu’s ongoing collaboration with Toyota Motor Corp to commercialize next-generation batteries. Toyota aims to introduce EVs equipped with all-solid-state batteries by 2027-2028, targeting significant improvements in driving range and reduced charging times compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
See also: Mazda to Build 10 GWh Battery Plant in Japan Using Panasonic Cylindrical Cells
The planned plant is expected to be completed by June 2027, with an estimated investment of 21.3 billion yen ($143 million). Once operational, it will have the capacity to produce 1,000 metric tons of lithium sulphide annually, sufficient to supply solid electrolytes for approximately 50,000 to 60,000 EVs, according to Idemitsu Executive Officer Tetsuji Mishina.
Idemitsu is also considering the construction of a large-scale pilot factory for solid electrolytes, a crucial component of solid-state batteries, with a final investment decision anticipated in the fiscal year ending March 2026. The company is actively seeking stable lithium supplies from Australia and other international sources to support this venture.
“A major challenge for global adoption of solid-state batteries is lowering solid electrolyte costs,” Mishina stated, emphasizing the company’s goal to reduce these costs to levels comparable with liquid lithium-ion batteries. Initially, Idemitsu plans to supply solid electrolytes to Toyota, with intentions to expand to other customers in the future. The company is currently developing two different types of solid electrolytes as part of its ongoing research and development efforts.