Solid-state battery technology is about to be used in passenger cars for the first time by Toyota, an innovation that might greatly improve the performance of EVs. Toyota’s plans to start producing solid-state batteries by 2026 have been confirmed by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Mass manufacturing is expected to commence around 2030.

With their longer range and faster charging periods, these batteries represent a major advancement in automobile technology. On a full charge, the range of the early models could reach up to 621 miles (1,000 km), and it could even reach 750 miles. Fast charging—up to 10 minutes—could solve a major issue with present-day EV technology. Toyota had planned to introduce a solid-state car in 2020, but the firm decided against it because of concerns about production viability. The project has advanced, though, with a breakthrough in June 2023 that doubles the theoretical range of the batteries.

Although initially constrained, Toyota intends to progressively increase output through 2027 and 2028 in order to meet its yearly production goal of 9 gigawatt-hours. In the meanwhile, in order to foster domestic capabilities and reduce the substantial investment needed, the Japanese government will assist the battery manufacturing industry.

This strategy could help keep costs down, even if Toyota’s first solid-state vehicle might be a hybrid rather than a full electric vehicle. This is because the cost of an EV-sized solid-state battery pack would increase dramatically.

In the EV market, solid-state batteries have the potential to be revolutionary. They provide greater range, quicker charging times, and more efficiency—all important characteristics that could push electric cars into the mainstream. The introduction of the Toyota in 2026 signals the start of this new chapter in automotive history.