The brief

Analyst view

• Developed sulfide-based solid-state batteries with Idemitsu Kosan; Japan approved production in October 2025.
• First vehicles equipped in 2027–2028 targeting 1,000 km range and 10-minute charging.
• Solid ceramic electrolyte replaces liquid, enabling denser, safer, more efficient cells with higher energy density.

Technical approach

As reported

Solid electrolyte

Ceramic replaces liquid

Standard lithium-ion batteries use liquid electrolyte; solid-state uses ceramic. Ceramic withstands higher voltage, denser packing, safer (no flammable liquid).

Energy density gains

More energy per kilogram

Solid electrolyte enables thinner batteries. Toyota targets 1,000 km range in first generation and 1,200 km after 2028.

Manufacturing partnership

Idemitsu and Sumitomo co-develop

Idemitsu develops lithium sulfide electrolytes; Sumitomo develops cathode materials. Partnership shares R&D cost and reduces scaling risk.