Toyota’s New Generation Of EV Batteries To Hit Production Shortly

SAUDI ARABIA : The Japanese auto giant has finally received a thumbs up from the Japanese government to make the next generation of its batteries for electric vehicles. This is essentially a part of the government’s plan. 

• 2026 is when we can see Toyota launch its performance-oriented batteries 
• A 9GWH annual output is what Toyota seems to be looking at, for now
• Toyota’s subsidiaries will soon also help in this entire process 

Toyota Motor Corporation has officially confirmed that its ambitious production and development plans for next-generation performance batteries and all-solid-state batteries have been given the green light by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI). This approval comes under the broader "Supply Assurance Plan for Batteries," a government initiative designed to support domestic battery production and innovation. 

The certification marks a significant milestone in Toyota’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its battery manufacturing capabilities, a crucial step in the global race towards electrification and sustainable mobility.

Certification Details

Toyota Battery Co. Ltd. which is owned by Toyota immersed plans to certify it to develop batteries for future vehicles by investing $1 billion in the project as a pioneer of next-generation batteries in conjunction with further researching solid-state batteries. 

Toyota wants to start gradual production of these advanced batteries within the next two years — by 2026 — with the target to produce 9GWh annually. This scale of production will enable Toyota to align with the growing market demand for batteries for fully electric vehicles rather than hybrid vehicles.

Traditionally, the companies related to Toyota built batteries for hybrid vehicles that were demanded by the automaker; however, the situation is changing. From a long-term perspective considering the transition to all-electric transport in the global context, however, Toyota has been preparing to fortify its battery supply chain. 

For instance, at the beginning of 2024, it became known that Toyota bought Primearth EV Energy, which is one of the leaders in the battery production industry; this should help Toyota better address growing battery needs. Besides this acquisition, Toyota is teaming up with its subsidiaries to further and expand its EV battery production initiatives for a guaranteed improved supply of batteries in its future electric vehicles.

Launch Timeline

On a separate but related note, Toyota together with Subaru and Mazda plan to make carbon-neutral engines where however, the hybrid drive systems in these engines will depend much on batteries. In the case of electrified powertrains, it is expected that Toyota would also be a key provider of battery packs for all the players thereby providing high-performance battery technology.