After intending to introduce the concept of an electric car with solid state batteries at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo in early 2020, but failed due to the corona virus (Covid-19) outbreak, now the news is circulating again. Toyota is said to be launching a prototype electric car with solid state batteries in 2021.
Toyota will be a game changer in the world electric car market. The reason is, solid state batteries are a solution for the stun car industry, which is still struggling to think about a battery that is cheap, small in size but has more power, as well as a short charging. Moreover, the manufacturing cost is also cheaper.
When compared to lithium-ion batteries, solid state batteries have a higher energy density, besides allowing for a smaller and lighter battery size. It is even claimed to be safer and offers faster charging times but the power is able to carry the car a distance of up to 500 kilometers.
“With a solid state battery the charge will take approximately 10 minutes, cutting charging time by two thirds. The battery can extend the mileage of a compact electric car, Its compact size will not sacrifice space in the car including space for leg stretches. “Toyota now stands at the top of the world rankings with more than 1,000 patents related to solid-state batteries,” wrote the Nikkei .
Executive Vice President of Toyota’s Powertrin, Keiji Kaita to Automotive News some time ago, said that Toyota already has a prototype of the battery. Because the development of this battery has started since 2017.
Regarding the weaknesses of solid state batteries, which have a shorter lifespan, Kaita said that the company is now also looking for a solution to this problem. We are trying to reduce the shortage, “said Kaita.
But certainly, the battery is safer. Even much safer from the risk of fire. According to a statement from British technology monster Dyson, which was reported by The Gren Journal page recently, a solid-state battery can hold more than 1,000 Wh per one liter of volume. That capacity is much larger than traditional lithium-ion batteries, because even the best quality lithium-ion batteries can only hold up to 620 Wh per liter.
“The solid form of the solid-state battery is also believed to be more environmentally friendly than the liquid lithium-ion battery. The production costs required for solid-state batteries are also less, ”reads a company statement.
Recently, the Japanese local media, the Chunichi Shimbun Daily, reported that Toyota will plan the electrified car with solid state batteries in 2022, although until now the name and type of the car has not been mentioned.
“The car will be built on a new platform, will use a solid-state battery that allows it to be recharged in just 20-30 minutes with a fast charger and has a range of up to 400 kilometers more,” wrote the media citing sources at Toyota Motor. .
Toyota spokesman Kayo Doi declined to comment on a product’s plans. Although he did not deny it, the manufacturer’s initial plan to commercialize the solid state battery was set in 2020.