So far, Toyota’s EV efforts have been regarded as fairly lackluster, with their current crop of EV offerings falling a bit short in terms of range, charging, and cost. This is set to improve dramatically as Toyota seeks to accelerate their EV push through a renewed focus on battery technology.
The first of these new batteries should arrive in 2026 with what Toyota is calling “Next-Generation.” This will be a two-pronged approach, the first of which, dubbed “Performance,” builds on current Li-Ion battery technology. These batteries will offer (Toyota) a 20% cost savings versus the battery currently used in the bZ4X, an increased range of 497 miles (800 km) and the ability to charge from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes or less. The second part of this “Next-Generation” technology, dubbed “Popularisation,” will be based on less-expensive lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo) and is intended to bring better battery performance to more mainstream models through a reduction in cost. These “Popularisation” batteries, due out slightly later in 2026-2027, will feature cost savings of up to 40%, increased range of around 373 miles (600 km), and be able to charge from 10 – 80% in 30 minutes.
The second prong of this new advanced technology roadmap is what Toyota is calling “Future Evolution.” The first part of this will be a battery called “High-Performance,” which will be built off the Li-Ion technology of the “Performance” batteries but offer an extended range of 612 miles (1,000 km). These “High-Performance” batteries should appear around 2027-2028.
Next, Toyota will shift its focus to solid-state batteries. Expected to arrive around 2027-2028, the first generation of these solid-state batteries will provide 612 miles of range and a 10% to 80% charge time of just 10 minutes. A future evolution, called “Solid-State 2,” will arrive at a later date and offer an estimated 746 miles (1,200 km) of range, with the potential of as much as 932 miles (1,500 km) of range as the technology develops.
Toyota is also working to reduce the thickness of their battery packs for improved efficiency and better packaging, which should lead to better interior comfort.
