Solid-State Batteries Hit Mass Production, Doubling Electric Vehicle Range to 1,000 km

The long-promised revolution in battery technology has finally arrived. Toyota and Samsung SDI have simultaneously opened factories producing solid-state batteries at commercial scale, with combined initial capacity of 20 gigawatt-hours per year. The new cells offer double the energy density of current lithium-ion batteries, enabling electric vehicles with a 1,000-kilometre range on a single charge and recharging to 80% in just 10 minutes.

"This is the tipping point for electric vehicles," said Toyota CEO Koji Sato. "Range anxiety is now a thing of the past." The batteries also eliminate the flammable liquid electrolyte used in conventional cells, making them far safer. With a projected 20-year lifespan and 95% recyclability, they address the two biggest criticisms of current EV technology. Six major automakers have already signed supply agreements, and the first vehicles with solid-state batteries will reach showrooms by late 2026.

“Toyota and Samsung SDI have simultaneously opened factories producing solid-state batteries at commercial scale, with combined initial capacity of 20 gigawatt-hours per year.”