2022 Toyota Prius Prime


Toyota is officially bringing solid-state batteries to market, but not in an EV as you might expect. The automaker has revealed that their new battery will debut in an upcoming hybrid vehicle, as it “allows for a smaller battery pack that is less cost-sensitive.”

“Hybrids represent a tougher test for solid-state tech because of the higher amount of battery cycling inherent in that use case,” explained Toyota chief scientist Gill Pratt in an interview with Autoline. “As Toyota gains more experience with solid-state battery cells, and as costs come down, the automaker will expand use to all-electric vehicles.”

The new batteries are reportedly set to be commercialized by 2025, and the automaker is hopeful that the new technology won’t only offer greater density, but also quicker charging times. “Quicker charging will also require upgrades to the grid and charging network,” noted Pratt.

While Toyota has yet to confirm which hybrid model the solid-state battery is destined for, it’s within the realm of possibility that this new technology could help to “reinvigorate” the classic Toyota Prius

Recently, Toyota announced plans to debut 30 EVs by 2030, with an emphasis on affordability rather than range. The first Toyota EV set to hit the market is the BZ4X crossover, which will reportedly “serve as the basis” for Toyota’s take on a luxury EV, the Lexus RZ.

Top Stories

Featured in this story

2021 Mustang Mach-E

Starting at $50,495

2021 Mustang Mach-E BUILD & PRICE

Distance Driven: 2,412 km

Times charged: 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse a arcu et tellus iaculis laoreet. Nam eu tortor vitae nunc tempus llamcorper ac vel ipsum. Nulla accumsan nunc sem.