Key facts
- Sumitomo Chemical will mass-produce a new halide-based solid electrolyte for electric vehicle batteries.
- The new electrolyte is expected to be cheaper and easier to handle than other options.
- Sumitomo Metal Mining and Toyota Motor Corporation are collaborating on mass-producing cathode materials for all-solid-state batteries.
- Toyota aims to launch electric vehicles with all-solid-state batteries between 2027 and 2028.
- Sumitomo Metal Mining and Toyota have developed a "highly durable cathode material" for all-solid-state batteries.
Sumitomo Chemical is preparing for the mass production of a novel electrolyte material for solid-state batteries, a development that could significantly impact the electric vehicle market by potentially lowering costs without sacrificing performance. The company's new halide-based solid electrolyte is reported to match the capabilities of current mainstream materials while being more cost-effective and easier to manage.
In parallel, Sumitomo Metal Mining and Toyota Motor Corporation have entered into a joint development agreement focused on the mass production of cathode materials for all-solid-state batteries intended for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This collaboration builds on research initiated around 2021, addressing challenges such as cathode material degradation. Leveraging Sumitomo Metal Mining's powder synthesis technology, the companies have developed a "highly durable cathode material."
Toyota has set a target to launch BEVs equipped with all-solid-state batteries between 2027 and 2028. Both Sumitomo Metal Mining and Toyota are committed to further improving the performance, quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness of these cathode materials for mass production, with the ultimate goal of achieving the world's first practical application of all-solid-state batteries in BEVs.