Toyota's next-gen BEV battery plans get nod from Japanese government

Toyota Motor Corporation recently secured certification from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) for the development and production plans for its next-generation lithium-ion batteries and all-solid-state batteries, as part of the Japanese government's 'Supply Assurance Plan for Batteries' initiative. 

The battery plan involves production of next-generation batteries (for Toyota's performance version) at a local facility belonging to Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES), a battery JV between Toyota and Panasonic, and also at Primearth EV Energy (PEVE), which is to be renamed as 'Toyota Battery Company' next month. 

The certification is also for the automaker's R&D and production of all-solid-state batteries in Japan. Toyota envisions a production scale of 9 GWh/ year, with the battery plan gradually implemented from 2026 onwards. 

By advancing battery development and production in Japan, Toyota aims to contribute to the further development of the industry and the strengthening of the production infrastructure of batteries. 

Additionally, by enhancing the competitiveness of batteries, the automaker seeks to improve the marketability of electrified vehicles and achieve carbon neutrality through a multi-pathway approach.

Japan's 'Initiatives to Ensure A Stable Supply of Batteries' policy aims to strengthen the production infrastructure of batteries, including battery cells, materials, and manufacturing equipment, which have been designated as critical materials. 

Since the battery industry is an equipment-intensive industry requiring large-scale investments in significant facilities, the local battery industry seeks government's support, so as to enable and enhance manufacturing capabilities and battery technologies for effective market operations.