Toyota is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of vehicles equipped with game-changing solid-state batteries within the next couple of years. This announcement was made by Vikram Gulati, the India head of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, during an investment summit in India.
Solid-state batteries are expected to address crucial aspects of EVs, particularly enhancing their driving range. Toyota, in a strategic move unveiled in June, aims to catch up with competitors like Tesla and Chinese companies such as BYD in the EV race. Last year, Toyota joined forces with oil refiner Idemitsu Kosan to develop and mass-produce all-solid-state batteries, targeting commercialization in 2027 and 2028.
According to Gulati, the upcoming electric vehicles from Toyota will feature solid-state batteries that can charge in just 10 minutes, providing an impressive range of 1,200 kilometers (750 miles). Additionally, these batteries are anticipated to have a longer life expectancy, marking a significant advancement in EV technology.
The announcement was made at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, where the Indian government is focusing on attracting investments to boost electric vehicle manufacturing capacity in the country. Suzuki Motor, in collaboration with Toyota partner Maruti Suzuki, also revealed plans to export their first battery EV to Japan and Europe.
India, the world’s third-largest auto market, is pushing for increased adoption of electric vehicles. While electric models constituted around 2% of car sales in India last year, the government aims to achieve a 30% share by 2030. Toyota’s plans for solid-state batteries align with India’s ambitious targets for the electric vehicle sector.
Vikram Gulati emphasized that Toyota has various sustainable technology options tailored to different countries, markets, and customer preferences. For India, he suggested that flex fuel and ethanol could be immediate choices. Furthermore, he advocated for a carbon-based tax structure for cars in India, promoting technological neutrality and equity in the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Overall, Toyota’s commitment to launching electric vehicles with innovative solid-state batteries reflects a significant step towards advancing EV technology and meeting the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions.
