Idemitsu, Toyota Collaborate To Mass Produce Batteries For EVs

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. and Toyota Motor Corporation have announced a collaborative effort to advance the development and mass production of all-solid-state batteries for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This partnership aims to ensure the commercialisation of these batteries by 2027–28, following their initial announcement at the Toyota Technical Workshop in June 2023. Both companies are recognised leaders in the field of material development for all-solid-state batteries.

This collaborative endeavour focuses on sulfur-solid electrolytes, which are considered promising materials for enhancing the capacity and output of BEVs. Sulfide-solid electrolytes are known for their softness and compatibility with other materials, making them suitable for mass production.

The initial phase involves the development of sulfur-solid electrolytes and the preparation of a large pilot facility. Both Idemitsu and Toyota will leverage their respective expertise to enhance the quality, reduce costs, and streamline production lead times for sulfur-solid electrolytes. The goal is to demonstrate mass production feasibility using an Idemitsu pilot facility.

In this stage, Idemitsu will establish a large pilot facility for the manufacturing of sulfur-solid electrolytes. Simultaneously, Toyota will work on developing all-solid-state batteries using these electrolytes and incorporating them into their BEVs. The aim is to launch BEVs equipped with all-solid-state batteries in 2027–28. Building on the results of Phase 2, both companies will collaborate on plans for future full-scale mass production and commercialisation.

Idemitsu has been actively engaged in the research and development of elemental technologies for all-solid-state batteries since 2001. They have also been working on the production of lithium sulfide, an intermediate material for solid electrolytes, utilising by-products generated during petroleum refining. This approach contributes to the establishment of a stable supply system. Moreover, the company is expanding its pilot facilities, thereby supporting the goal of commercialising all-solid-state batteries in 2027–28.

The collaboration will harness both companies' material development expertise, with Idemitsu contributing its material manufacturing technologies and Toyota providing its battery processing and assembly technologies obtained through BEV development. This joint effort aims to facilitate the mass production of solid electrolytes and all-solid-state batteries suitable for global adoption, furthering the goal of global carbon neutrality. These technologies will be developed and pioneered in Japan, ultimately shaping the future of the automotive industry.