Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. and Toyota Motor Corporation have entered into a joint development agreement to mass produce cathode materials for all-solid-state batteries, which are planned for use in battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The collaboration aims to advance the technology and enable its practical application in the automotive sector.
All-solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of the liquid electrolytes found in current batteries. This technology is expected to provide advantages such as reduced size, increased output, and longer battery life. For BEVs, these batteries could result in longer driving ranges, shorter charging times, and higher output. Toyota is targeting a market launch of BEVs equipped with all-solid-state batteries between 2027 and 2028.
Since 2021, the two companies have worked together on joint research, addressing challenges like cathode material degradation during repeated charging and discharging. They have now developed a “highly durable cathode material” by utilizing Sumitomo Metal Mining’s proprietary powder synthesis technology. Sumitomo Metal Mining, with more than two decades of experience supplying cathode materials for electric vehicles, plans to supply this new material and scale up its production.
The companies will continue their collaboration to improve the performance, quality, and safety of cathode materials while seeking to reduce production costs. Their shared goal is to achieve the world’s first practical use of all-solid-state batteries in BEVs, contributing to the automotive industry’s evolution and efforts toward carbon neutrality.
Toyota stated: “Achieving zero, and adding new value beyond it. As part of efforts to pass our beautiful ‘Home Planet’ to the next generation, Toyota has identified and is helping to solve issues faced by individuals and overall society, which Toyota calls ‘Achieving Zero,’ hoping to help reduce the negative impacts caused by these issues to people and the environment to zero. Additionally, Toyota is also looking ‘Beyond Zero’ to create and provide greater value by continuing to diligently seek ways to improve lives and society for the future.”
Toyota Motor Corporation says it is committed to developing safe and high-quality products that provide mobility for all. The company highlights its transformation into a mobility company focused on connected, automated, shared, and electrified technologies while remaining aligned with its guiding principles and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. More information about these initiatives can be found at https://global.toyota/en/mobility/beyond-zero/ and https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/.
