Sulfide-based solid electrolytes are among the most promising alternatives for solid-state batteries according to Chemistry Europe. That’s because they have high ionic conductivity, and are easier to manufacture than oxide-based alternatives. However, known solid state sulfide electrolyte designs degrade rapidly in presence of humidity, and this has discouraged many investors to date.
Toyota Solid State Sulfide Electrolyte ‘Almost Ready’
Toyota has been building its reputation as an electric vehicle manufacturer on the basis of developing superior solid-state battery technology. But the Japanese company has been understandably coy about how exactly it will achieve this.
There are however persistent rumors of 700-mile driving ranges, and 10-minute full charges. News website MSN surmises that Toyota is close to a solid state sulfide electrolyte breakthrough.
This is in line with a contemporary report in Financial Times, although there were only a few identified sources confirming this. However, news on the street is that Toyota has a joint venture with energy group Idemitsu Kosan, which is migrating across to carbon neutral technology.
MSN continues the story by explaining how Toyota’s batteries ‘would be stronger and more stable’. And, as an added bonus, could be produced more quickly and in greater volumes too. A Toyota engineer apparently told Financial Times, “In terms of the stacking speed, we are almost there. We are going to roll out bigger volumes and check the quality.”
Where To From Here With Toyota Solid State?
We don’t know exactly what Toyota is up to at this stage, in terms of overcoming the problem of humidity yet. However, the vehicle manufacturer must have a few ideas up its sleeve, having come this far.
Moreover, Toyota’s president, Koji Sato, has said, “I think the most important thing at the moment is to put the solid-state batteries into the world. And we will consider expansion in volume from there.”
More Information
Do Solid-State Batteries Matter Really?
