Toyota and Sumitomo Metal Mining said on Wednesday they have made progress in developing cathode materials for all-solid-state batteries and agreed to collaborate on mass production, marking another step toward commercialising next-generation battery technology for electric vehicles.
All-solid-state batteries are widely viewed as a key breakthrough for the EV industry, offering enhanced safety, faster charging times, and longer lifespans compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries that use flammable liquid electrolytes. However, large-scale adoption remains limited by high production costs and complex manufacturing processes.
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Toyota, the world’s largest automaker by sales, plans to launch electric vehicles equipped with all-solid-state batteries in 2027 or 2028. The two companies said their joint research, which began in 2021, has focused on improving the durability of cathode materials — a critical challenge due to degradation during repeated charging and discharging cycles. They said they have now developed a “highly durable cathode material” using Sumitomo Metal’s proprietary powder synthesis technology.
The companies will continue to refine the performance, safety, and cost efficiency of the materials as they move toward production. Sumitomo Metal Mining expects to begin mass-producing the newly developed cathode materials as early as the fiscal year starting April 2028. “We will prioritize supplying Toyota, then respond flexibly to market demand,” a company spokesperson said.
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Toyota is also working with other partners to accelerate its solid-state battery development. It has teamed up with oil refiner Idemitsu Kosan, which is developing lithium sulphide — another essential material for these batteries. Together, the partnerships underline Toyota’s broader strategy to bring solid-state battery technology to market and secure a leadership position in next-generation electric vehicle innovation.
Source: Reuters
