Toyota partner breaks ground on solid electrolyes plant for all-solid-state EV batteries – Electrek

Toyota and Idemitsu Collaborate on Advancing All-Solid-State EV Batteries

Japanese oil company Idemitsu Kosan has initiated construction of a large-scale solid electrolyte pilot plant in partnership with Toyota. This facility will produce solid electrolytes essential for Toyota’s all-solid-state batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs). This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by promoting clean energy technologies and sustainable industrial innovation.

Development and Production Plans

1. Idemitsu Kosan has made a final investment decision and commenced building the pilot plant following successful small-scale demonstrations.
2. The facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2027, coinciding with Toyota’s plan to launch EVs equipped with all-solid-state batteries in 2027 or 2028.
3. Initial production will be limited as the technology scales towards commercialization, with an anticipated annual production capacity of several hundred tons.
4. The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) has approved the construction site, supporting sustainable industrial development.

Technological Advancements and Partnerships

• Toyota revealed a prototype solid-state battery pack capable of delivering a 1,200 km (745 miles) range and charging in under 10 minutes, enhancing sustainable transport solutions.
• The company collaborates with partners including Idemitsu and Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. to mass-produce this innovative battery technology.
• Utilizing Sumitomo Metal Mining’s proprietary powder-synthesis technology, Toyota has developed a highly durable cathode material, advancing battery longevity and performance.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: The development of all-solid-state batteries supports the transition to clean energy vehicles, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The pilot plant represents a significant industrial innovation fostering sustainable infrastructure and technological advancement.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Enhanced EV range and faster charging contribute to sustainable urban mobility solutions.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: By enabling more efficient and longer-range EVs, the project contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Industry Context and Global Progress

Recent developments indicate growing momentum in the commercialization of solid-state battery technology beyond Toyota:

• Mercedes-Benz demonstrated a modified EQS with solid-state batteries achieving nearly 750 miles (1,205 km) of driving range.
• Automakers such as Hyundai and Stellantis are collaborating with US-based Factorial Energy to integrate solid-state batteries into future EV models.
• Chinese manufacturers including Dongfeng and FAW Group are actively testing solid-state batteries with ranges exceeding 620 miles.

Challenges and Opportunities

Solid-state batteries are recognized as a breakthrough technology promising:

• Significantly improved driving range and reduced charging times compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
• Higher energy density, contributing to more efficient energy use and sustainability.

However, challenges remain in scaling production due to:

• Technical difficulties in identifying optimal solid electrolytes.
• Higher manufacturing costs impacting mass production feasibility.

Addressing these challenges is critical to achieving SDG 9 and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), ensuring sustainable industrial growth and resource efficiency.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Toyota and Idemitsu Kosan to develop and produce all-solid-state batteries represents a significant step towards sustainable transportation and clean energy innovation. This initiative supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals by fostering clean energy technologies, sustainable industrialization, and climate action. Continued advancements and partnerships across the automotive industry are essential to overcoming production challenges and realizing the full potential of solid-state battery technology for a sustainable future.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses the development and commercialization of all-solid-state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), which are key to clean energy transition.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The construction of a large-scale solid electrolyte pilot plant and advances in battery technology reflect innovation and industrial development.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Electric vehicles with improved battery technology contribute to sustainable urban transport by reducing emissions.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The focus on new battery technologies implies efforts towards more efficient and sustainable production processes.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Advancing EV battery technology supports reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change mitigation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 7 Indicators
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption (implied by the shift to EVs powered by advanced batteries).
   • Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP (implied through more efficient battery technology).
2. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added (implied by cleaner production methods in battery manufacturing).
   • Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP (implied by investments in pilot plants and technology development).
3. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport (implied by increased EV adoption improving sustainable transport options).
4. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP (implied by efficient use of materials in battery production).
5. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year (implied by the reduction potential through EVs with solid-state batteries).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: electrek.co