Toyota CEO: “Our Solid-State Battery Will Change the Industry in 2025”

In a bold declaration that has electrified the automotive world, Toyota President and CEO Koji Sato announced on April 30, 2025, that the company’s next-generation solid-state battery will “revolutionize the industry” with its debut in 2025. Speaking at a press conference during the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, Sato unveiled Toyota’s ambitious plan to launch the battery in its electric vehicle (EV) lineup, promising unprecedented range, ultra-fast charging, and enhanced safety. The announcement, backed by years of research and strategic partnerships, positions Toyota to challenge EV giants like Tesla and BYD, signaling a seismic shift in the global race for battery supremacy.

A Game-Changing Technology

Solid-state batteries, which replace the liquid electrolyte in traditional lithium-ion batteries with a solid one, have long been hailed as the holy grail of EV technology. Toyota, a pioneer in hybrid vehicles with its Prius, has invested over $13.6 billion in battery development since 2017, with a focus on solid-state innovation. Sato’s announcement marks a critical milestone, as Toyota prepares to bring this technology to market faster than anticipated.

“Our solid-state battery will change the industry in 2025,” Sato declared. “It offers a driving range of up to 1,200 kilometers, charges from 10% to 80% in just 10 minutes, and delivers unmatched safety and durability. This is the future of electric mobility, and Toyota is ready to lead.”

The battery’s key advantages include a 50% improvement in energy density over Toyota’s current lithium-ion batteries, enabling ranges of 1,000-1,200 kilometers (621-746 miles) under real-world conditions. Its fast-charging capability, supported by a high-conductivity solid electrolyte, reduces charging times to a fraction of current standards, addressing a major pain point for EV adoption. Additionally, the battery’s solid-state design eliminates the risk of liquid electrolyte leaks, enhancing safety and reducing fire hazards.

Technical Breakthroughs

Toyota’s solid-state battery leverages a sulfide-based solid electrolyte, developed in collaboration with partner Idemitsu Kosan, which boosts ion conductivity for faster charging and discharging. The battery also incorporates a lightweight, compact design, reducing vehicle weight by up to 20% compared to conventional EV batteries. This efficiency translates to lower energy consumption and improved performance, particularly for Toyota’s upcoming luxury and performance EVs under the Lexus brand.

Sato highlighted the battery’s longevity, projecting a lifespan of over 20 years with minimal degradation, even after 1,000 charge cycles. “Our solid-state battery retains 90% of its capacity after a decade,” he said, citing rigorous testing data. This durability could reduce the need for costly battery replacements, making EVs more affordable over their lifecycle.

The battery’s production process has also been optimized, with Toyota’s new “giga-casting” and integrated cell-to-pack technology cutting manufacturing costs by an estimated 30%. These savings are expected to lower the price of Toyota’s EVs, making them competitive with gas-powered vehicles and rivals like BYD’s Seagull, which starts at $9,700.

Strategic Rollout and Partnerships

Toyota plans to debut the solid-state battery in a high-end Lexus EV, likely the next-generation LF-Z, in late 2025, with production scaling to 10,000 units by 2026. The company aims to expand the technology across its EV lineup, including the bZ series, by 2028. Posts on X have speculated that the battery could power a revived MR2 or Supra, blending performance with sustainability.

To achieve this, Toyota has deepened its partnerships. Idemitsu Kosan, a Japanese oil refiner, is co-developing the sulfide electrolyte, while Panasonic, Toyota’s longtime battery supplier, is contributing to production scaling. Web searches also reveal collaborations with CATL and LG Chem to ensure supply chain stability, reflecting Toyota’s pragmatic approach to meeting global demand.

Sato emphasized Toyota’s open innovation model. “We’re exploring licensing our solid-state technology to other automakers,” he said, signaling potential partnerships with brands like Subaru and Mazda, in which Toyota holds stakes. This strategy could accelerate industry-wide adoption, mirroring BYD’s success in supplying batteries to Tesla and Ford.

Industry Impact and Challenges

The announcement has sent shockwaves through the EV market, with X users hailing Toyota’s breakthrough as a “Tesla killer.” One post read, “1,200 km range and 10-minute charging? Toyota’s about to dominate EVs.” Analysts predict the battery could help Toyota, which sold 10.5 million vehicles in 2024, capture a larger share of the global EV market, where it currently lags with only 104,000 EVs sold last year.

However, challenges remain. Scaling solid-state battery production is notoriously difficult due to the complexity of manufacturing solid electrolytes at scale. Toyota’s timeline—mass production by 2027—has drawn skepticism, with some X users citing past delays in the company’s EV roadmap. “Toyota’s been promising solid-state for years,” one user noted. “I’ll believe it when I see it on the road.”

Competition is another hurdle. BYD’s next-generation Blade Battery, announced concurrently, offers an 80% charge in 10-12 minutes and a 1,000 km range at a lower cost. Tesla’s 4680 cells and CATL’s Qilin battery also pose threats, with similar fast-charging claims. Toyota must navigate these rivals while addressing trade barriers, such as U.S. tariffs on Japanese EVs, which could inflate prices.

A Broader Vision

Sato framed the solid-state battery as part of Toyota’s carbon-neutral strategy, which includes hybrids, hydrogen vehicles, and EVs. “By 2030, we aim to sell 3.5 million EVs annually, with solid-state batteries powering half,” he said. The company’s $70 billion electrification plan, announced in 2021, supports this goal, with new Gigafactories in Japan and the U.S. dedicated to solid-state production.

The battery’s environmental impact is also significant. Its recyclable components and reduced reliance on cobalt and nickel align with global sustainability goals, earning praise at COP29. Toyota’s partnership with Redwood Materials ensures end-of-life battery recycling, addressing concerns about waste.

The Road Ahead

Toyota’s solid-state battery is more than a technological leap; it’s a statement of intent. With a 1,200 km range, 10-minute charging, and a 20-year lifespan, it promises to make EVs more practical, affordable, and desirable. The Lexus LF-Z, set to debut the battery in 2025, will be a litmus test, showcasing Toyota’s ability to deliver on Sato’s bold claims.

As the automotive industry watches, Toyota is poised to reclaim its role as an innovator. “This is just the beginning,” Sato said. “Our solid-state battery will not only change how we drive but how we think about mobility.” With rivals scrambling and fans buzzing on X, 2025 could mark the year Toyota redefines the EV landscape, one charge at a time.