Batteries could leap forward dramatically this decade, after virtually marking time this century despite copious research. The problem has been lithium-ion chemistry’s frustrating habit of gradually losing its power, while users struggle on without consciously realizing this is happening.
Why Batteries Need to Leap Forward Dramatically
The lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes in our smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles and power tools contain chemicals, that store and release electrical energy. Every time we discharge and recharge these batteries we stress the materials, and as a result they become less effective.
While we might have imagined that a liquid electrolyte would simplify matters, this is not the whole truth. The fact of the matter is the charge-carrying ions shuttling through it slowly become less effective. Chemical deposits gradually coat the electrodes, making it harder for the ions to do their work.
This is the cause of our frustration that our lithium-ion batteries are letting us down, although we may be more likely to blame our devices. We can slow this trend by keeping these batteries warmer in winter, and not recharging them fully. This is why it is time for batteries to leap forward dramatically.
Solid State Technology Is Turning the Page
Lithium-ion batteries use liquid electrolyte, which contributes to poorer long-term performance. Solid-state batteries may use solid electrolyte. This solves some of the problems but introduces new challenges. This is why we still do not not see solid-state batteries in large numbers.
Meanwhile Toyota has been quietly chiseling away at the problem. On November 9, 2025, Interesting Engineering provided an update on Toyota’s progress. The Japanese auto maker will start selling electric vehicles with solid-state batteries within two years.
Toyota has hinted at this possibility for a while. The really dramatic news is their solid-state batteries may last as long as 40 years. This would be a game changer for an industry struggling to take off in the west. But more importantly, this could help slow global warming for the sake of our children.
If batteries could leap forward that dramatically, then we could be standing at the doorstep of a new energy era. A tipping point where the cost of renewable energy drops dramatically. We will probably only stop using fossil fuels when they become too expensive. How soon do you think that might be?
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Creating Solid Electrolytes For Batteries
