Japanese auto giant Toyota is working on a new solid state battery that could enable electric cars to be lighter, be recharged faster and enjoy longer range.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, the company is in the “production engineering” stage for the tech that could replace the current lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles.
The solid state batteries, which could conceivably hold a higher charge, could make it into a new car by 2022, the report claims.
The report was light on the specifics, but other benefits include a longer life span and a possibility for them to be used elsewhere after they’ve served their purpose in the vehicles.
Naturally, given the limitations of the current lithium-ion technology, such a leap forward would be a major boost for the electric car industry, currently led by Tesla.
Related: Apple Car
The news from Toyota is significant, given the company has been one of the last big manufacturers to come around to the concept of all-electric vehicles.
Of course, the company is no stranger to cleaner vehicles; it’s Prius range remains probably the most well known hybrid car in the world.
The firm has now committed to producing its first electric car by 2020, and it appears from today’s report, a model with a new solid state battery may not be too far behind.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
