Toyota has only recently expressed interest in pure electrics, as opposed to plug-in hybrids, but a new report says the auto giant is planning to leapfrog early electric car leaders by debuting an EV with all-solid-state batteries by 2022. The Japanese daily Chunichi Shimbun (via Reuters) reports that Toyota is focusing on this technology, distinct from lithium-ion batteries, in an effort to market a car with a significantly longer range and a shorter recharge time.
Current EVs use “liquid” lithium-ion batteries, but Toyota, along with a number of startups and suppliers such as Bosch, has been investing in solid-state battery tech that replaces liquid acid electrolytes with solid materials that are less prone to short-circuiting, catching fire or degrading over time, among other desirable properties.
Ilika plc (LON:IKA) is a pioneer in materials innovation and has been inventing new materials for energy and electronics applications for over a decade. Global brands such as Rolls Royce and Toyota have long term collaborations with Ilika’s development teams.
