Forward-Thinking Event Unveils the Pathway of Transportation Innovation
At the June 2022 Toyota Technical Workshop, Toyota showcased a variety of cutting-edge technologies to the media and the public, offering a glimpse into the future of mobility. The event, organised by Hiroki Nakajima, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Toyota, revealed a focus on hydrogen fuel systems and battery innovations.
Hydrogen Fuel Technology Advancements
Toyota's hydrogen-fueled Corolla racing vehicle has undergone significant improvements, with advancements in liquid hydrogen pumps and elliptical tanks boosting fuel range by 50% and enhancing durability, enabling continuous high-speed performance over 24-hour races. This progress demonstrates Toyota's commitment to commercializing liquid hydrogen vehicles.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Next-Generation Batteries
A BEV on display at the workshop was designed to mimic the driving experience of a manual car, complete with a gear stick and clutch pedal. Toyota is also developing a BEV with a manual transmission system, aiming to replicate the driving experience of a high-performance car like the LFA.
The company is working on next-generation batteries for its EV technologies, with a world-first solid-state battery EV expected to be released in 2027-2028. A limited rollout of an EV equipped with a solid-state battery is planned for 2025-2026, and partnerships with companies like Idemitsu aim to secure materials and production capabilities starting with SSB manufacturing from 2026, targeting mass production around 2030.
Additional Technological Advances
Toyota is also integrating advanced industrial 3D printing technology in manufacturing to accelerate product development and tooling production, enhancing factory innovation and adaptability since early 2023.
Timeline for Toyota’s Key Battery Technologies
| Technology | Timeline | |-----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Solid-state battery EV rollout | Limited launch 2025-2026 | | Production of solid-state batteries| Start manufacturing 2026 | | Mass production scale-up | 2027-2030 |
In summary, Toyota's June 2022 workshop fits within a broader push in advanced hydrogen and battery technologies, with solid-state battery EVs expected to debut in the mid-2020s and production race-ready systems advancing steadily toward commercialization. The company is collaborating with the new BEV and Hydrogen Factory presidents, and approximately 90% of the technology developed by Toyota that was previously kept under wraps was displayed at the workshop.
For more details, tune into the latest episode of Toyota Times News, which showcases some of the technologies displayed at the workshop, offering a glimpse into the future of mobility.
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- In the pursuit of advancements in the automotive industry, Toyota is collaborating with key partners in the finance sector to secure funding for the development of next-generation batteries, aiming to revolutionize the transportation sector with solid-state battery electric vehicles.
- As technology continues to evolve, Toyota is leveraging innovations in 3D printing to accelerate factory innovation and adaptability in the wider manufacturing industry, bridging the gap between traditional and modern production techniques.
