Toyota and Idemitsu join efforts to establish a global benchmark for all-solid-state battery production
In a significant development for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Japanese companies Idemitsu and Toyota have announced a collaboration aimed at mass-producing all-solid-state batteries. The partnership, announced on October 12, 2023, is part of a larger strategy to enhance global competitiveness and improve the performance of EVs.
Idemitsu, a company primarily known for its gas stations, has been developing battery technologies since the 1970s. Recognizing oil as a finite resource, the company has been focusing on research that adds value and effectively uses oil. This research led to the discovery of the usefulness of sulfur components in the mid-1990s, spurring the development that eventually culminated in this partnership.
Toyota, on the other hand, holds the patent for the components of the new electrolyte material. The company's strength lies in its battery mass production technology. Idemitsu's technological capabilities, however, are in producing materials with high water resistance, ion conductivity, and flexibility, making them an ideal partner for this collaboration.
The focus of this collaboration is on sulfide solid electrolytes, which hold potential for high battery capacity and output. The integration of the entire process, from materials to finished batteries, is aimed at increasing speed and enabling continuous improvement.
The benefits of these all-solid-state batteries for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are numerous. They offer a higher energy density, which can lead to longer driving ranges for BEVs. The use of solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones also improves safety, reducing risks of leakage or combustion. Moreover, these batteries offer enhanced durability and faster charging capabilities, contributing to better performance and reliability.
Toyota aims to commercialize the technology with BEVs slated for release in 2027-28. The planned timeline for the commercialization of all-solid-state batteries developed by Idemitsu Kosan and Toyota is targeted for 2028.
This collaboration is not just about technology; it's also about fostering partnerships. President Sato believes this collaboration will boost the international competitiveness of Japan's industry by promoting speedy collaboration and eliminating rework.
The results of Idemitsu's research can be seen in several businesses today. The company's work with Toyota since 2013 has been focused on overcoming the drawback of battery durability in all-solid-state batteries. The constant cycle of expansion and contraction during charging and discharging may cause cracks between the solid electrolyte and the cathode/anode, degrading performance in all-solid-state batteries. However, with this collaboration, the companies aim to develop mass production technologies for solid electrolytes, the pathway for ions moving between the cathode and anode, to address this challenge.
With this partnership, the race to improve EV technology continues, with the promise of longer driving ranges, improved safety, and faster charging times on the horizon.
[1] Source: Toyota Motor Corporation Press Release, October 12, 2023.
In the context of the partnership between Idemitsu and Toyota, focus will be on the commercialization of all-solid-state batteries, with the planned timeline for this development in 2028. This collaboration, spearheaded by companies in the renewable-energy industry, aims to strengthen Japan's international competitiveness by fostering partnerships and using technology to enhance the performance of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the finance sector.
