Toyota’s Solid-State Battery Plans Get a Boost by Idemitsu

Toyota’s long-awaited solid-state EV battery may finally be on the way—thanks to a surprising ally: one of Japan’s biggest oil players.

🔋 What’s All the Fuss About Solid-State Batteries?

Let’s keep it simple. Today’s EVs mostly use lithium-ion batteries filled with liquid electrolytes. They work, but they’ve got their flaws—slow charging, risk of fire, and limited range.

Solid-state batteries? They ditch the liquid for a solid material. That one change unlocks faster charging, longer range, and improved safety. It’s the kind of upgrade EV fans have been waiting for.

Toyota’s been quietly working on this for years, but now there’s action to back up the talk.

🏭 Idemitsu’s Big Move: From Oil to EV Battery Materials

This week, Idemitsu Kosan, a major name in Japan’s oil industry, announced something unexpected: it’s building a plant to produce lithium sulfide, a key ingredient in solid-state batteries.

Here’s what we know:

• Cost: Around ¥21.3 billion (roughly $142 million USD)
• Backed by: Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
• Output: About 1,000 metric tons of lithium sulfide per year
• Timeline: Production to begin between 2027 and 2028

It’s part of a national effort to strengthen Japan’s battery supply chain and reduce its dependence on imports.

🚗 Toyota Is First in Line

Idemitsu confirmed that Toyota will be the first customer for this new facility.

The two companies have been working together since 2023, and this lithium sulfide plant is a key piece in their shared goal of bringing solid-state EVs to the market before the end of the decade.

So yeah, this isn’t just another press release. It’s a real step toward actual production.

🇯🇵 A Bigger Picture: Japan’s EV Battery Push

This isn’t just about one automaker. Japan’s going all-in.

Between private companies and government support, the country is pouring nearly ¥1 trillion ($7B USD) into battery innovation, supply chains, and domestic manufacturing.

The goal? Catch up to China and South Korea in EV battery tech—and maybe even get ahead.

⚡ What Are Other Automakers Up To?

Toyota’s making moves—but others are already in motion.

• Mercedes-Benz, along with Factorial Energy, just debuted a prototype EQS with a solid-state battery and over 621 miles of range.
• Stellantis is planning to roll out solid-state Dodge Chargers next year.
• Companies like Honda, Hyundai, BYD, and CATL are all racing to bring similar tech to the market.

It’s a crowded field. And the clock’s ticking.

🤔 Can Toyota Really Catch Up?

Let’s be real—Toyota’s EV journey has been cautious. Some would say slow.

But this new partnership and factory announcement show that things are finally shifting. If they hit their timeline, 2027 or 2028 could be the turning point.

Stay Tuned

The race for solid-state batteries is heating up, and Toyota’s finally making real moves. Whether they’ll lead the pack or just stay in it? Time will tell.

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