Toyota says it aims to launch its first EV with an all-solid-state battery between 2027 and 2028. It’s working with Sumitomo Metal Mining on a durable cathode and with Idemitsu on sulfide solid electrolytes. Expect early, limited-scale models first, with benefits in range, charge time, and safety, but also higher costs and supply constraints.
What Toyota announced on Oct 8, 2025
Toyota and Sumitomo Metal Mining said they’ve developed a “highly durable cathode material” for all-solid-state batteries and will collaborate on mass production of cathode materials. Toyota’s target is a market launch of BEVs with all-solid-state batteries in 2027–2028. The company used the phrase “world’s first practical use of all-solid-state batteries in BEVs.”
The timing lines up with Toyota’s earlier Idemitsu partnership to scale lithium sulfide solid electrolytes, which are a key part of many all-solid-state designs. Idemitsu is building a plant near Tokyo that’s slated to be ready by June 2027, with enough annual electrolyte capacity to support 50,000–60,000 EVs. If both the cathode and the electrolyte scale on time, Toyota has a credible pathway to limited early production in that 2027–2028 window.
Solid-state batteries, explained
Most EVs today use lithium-ion cells with a liquid electrolyte. All-solid-state cells replace that liquid with a solid electrolyte. This can allow higher energy density, faster charging, and reduced thermal runaway risk. In practice, the gains depend on the exact chemistry and how well the interfaces are engineered.
Where do the improvements come from? A solid electrolyte lets designers pair high-energy cathodes with lithium-metal anodes without the same liquid-electrolyte side reactions. That can shrink the pack or boost range. It can also keep performance more stable at low temperatures. The catch is that solid-solid interfaces can develop micro-gaps or cracks over cycles, and dendrites can still form if current densities aren’t managed. Those are the problems Toyota and others have been chasing for years.
Timelines: Toyota vs rivals
- Toyota: 2027–2028 target for first BEV with all-solid-state battery; cathode work with Sumitomo Metal Mining; electrolyte supply with Idemitsu.
- Nissan: Pilot line operational in 2025, aims for FY 2028 launch.
- VW/PowerCo + QuantumScape: Development toward series production; ongoing testing data shared in 2024–2025 investor materials.
- CATL/BYD: Publicly signal solid-state or semi-solid advances around the second half of the decade. Details vary and are evolving.
Pros and cons vs today’s lithium-ion
Potential benefits
- Range or downsizing: Higher energy density can raise range or cut pack mass.
- Fast charging: Solid electrolytes can enable higher C-rates if interfaces are stable.
- Safety: Reduced flammable liquids may lower fire risk.
Risks and unknowns
- Durability: Interface degradation and dendrite management over thousands of cycles. Toyota cites a “highly durable cathode,” but real-world results will decide.
- Manufacturing yield: New materials and processes can push costs up before they come down.
- Supply chain: Electrolyte and cathode materials must scale in sync. Idemitsu’s line is a key milestone but limited in early capacity.
What this means for buyers
If you need an EV in the next 12–24 months, buy based on today’s tech. If you can wait 2–3 years and you want first-gen solid-state, expect limited trims, premium pricing, and conservative warranties at first. Wider adoption will trail early showings by another cycle. That’s how new battery tech typically rolls out.
India and global availability
Global launches will likely start in Japan and select North American/European markets, then broaden. In India, initial allocations may be small and tied to CKD/CBU strategies before localized packs make sense. Charging infra and total cost of ownership will still matter more than the cell chemistry in the first wave. (We’ll update this section as Toyota details model names and markets.)
How we’ll verify progress (watch items)
- Pilot and pre-series lines moving cells into mule vehicles
- Electrolyte plant commissioning milestones (Idemitsu, June 2027 target)
- Cell specs in regulatory filings (EPA/DOE/WLTP)
- Warranty terms and usable-capacity statements
- Supplier earnings that signal volume commitments
Comparison Table (timelines)
| Company | Public target | Latest milestone | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 2027–2028 | Sumitomo cathode collab; Idemitsu sulfide plant by June 2027 | “World’s first practical use” claim; likely limited volume first |
| Nissan | FY 2028 | Pilot line running Jan 2025 | Targeting in-house ASSB launch window |
| VW/PowerCo + QuantumScape | Toward series production | Ongoing A-samples/B-samples progress in IR materials | Roadmap aligned to late-decade scaling |
| CATL/BYD | Late-decade signals | Public R&D disclosures and demos | Watch for semi-solid vs full solid claims |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will Toyota sell a solid-state EV?
Toyota says 2027–2028 for its first BEV with an all-solid-state battery, pending successful scale-up of cathode and electrolyte production.
Will Toyota really be first?
It’s possible, but Nissan, VW/QuantumScape, and large Chinese cell makers are close. The “first” will likely be limited volume.
How much faster will charging be?
Faster is plausible, but exact numbers will depend on thermal design, cell C-rate, and pack management. Toyota hasn’t published public, final specs yet.
Are solid-state batteries safer?
They replace flammable liquid electrolytes with solids, which may reduce fire risk. Pack-level safety still depends on full system design.
Why are costs a concern?
New processes and materials often start with lower yields. Costs track up before scaling drives them down.
What should I watch for next?
Supplier commissioning (Idemitsu June 2027), early fleet deployments, and official EPA/WLTP listings with pack details.
Featured Snippet Boxes
What did Toyota announce?
Toyota is targeting 2027–2028 for its first BEV with an all-solid-state battery. It’s partnering with Sumitomo Metal Mining on a durable cathode and with Idemitsu on sulfide solid electrolytes. Expect early, limited volumes as supply ramps.
What is a solid-state EV battery?
It replaces the liquid electrolyte with a solid one. That design can raise energy density, shorten charge times, and improve safety, depending on chemistry and engineering of interfaces.
Will Toyota be first?
Maybe. Toyota’s plan competes with Nissan (FY 2028 target), VW/QuantumScape, and Chinese makers. The first to ship will likely be limited-run models.
Should I wait to buy?
Only if timing is flexible. Early solid-state EVs may carry premium prices and limited trims. Mainstream scale usually follows a generation later.
Source: Toyota
