40-Year Battery Life Could Be a Reality
Toyota is making waves — again. This time, it’s not another concept car or hybrid update. It’s a battery. But not just any battery — a solid-state EV battery that could last up to 40 years while retaining 90% of its original capacity.
That’s not a typo. Toyota’s latest battery tech promises to outlast the average vehicle, possibly getting reused across multiple cars in its lifetime.
Solid-State: The Long-Promised Game Changer
Solid-state batteries have been hyped for years. Lighter, safer, faster-charging, and more energy-dense — they’ve long been hailed as the next big leap in EV tech. But they’ve also remained mostly theoretical.
Now, Toyota claims they’re finally close. Keiji Kaita, head of Toyota’s Carbon Neutral Development Center, told CarExpert that their target is four times the lifespan of current lithium-ion packs. That’s a massive leap.
Expensive at First, Cheaper in the Long Run
Sure, these batteries won’t be cheap at launch. But Toyota argues the math works out. A longer-lasting battery means fewer replacements, less waste, and lower total costs across a vehicle’s life. That’s a win for wallets and the planet.
Backed by Big Industry Players
Toyota isn’t going at this alone. They’ve teamed up with Idemitsu Kosan (electrolyte supplier) and Sumitomo Metal Mining (cathode material). Sumitomo says Toyota gets first dibs on its solid-state supply.
That shows serious commitment to scaling this tech — not just another press release.
Where Will It Debut?
No one knows for sure. Some insiders hint at a Lexus sports car launch. Others suggest a hybrid first, then full EVs. Either way, Toyota is aiming for a 2027–2028 rollout. If they deliver, it could shift the entire EV landscape.
Why It Matters
A battery that lasts four decades means fewer mining operations, fewer battery replacements, and a huge drop in waste. If Toyota pulls this off, it won’t just change EVs — it’ll redefine them.
