Toyota announced a breakthrough in solid state battery tech that will be deployed in 2025 hybrid models.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a38711469/toyota-solid-state-batteries-2025/
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It makes sense for them to start with PHEVs since they essentially own the market. Their first foray into BEVs wasn’t a big success and they should start with their most successful models. IMO this makes sense since a SSBEV should be a success by the time they deploy them. An added BIG attraction is that SSBEVs essentially eliminated the fire concerns since the largest problem is the flammable electrolyte in most BEVs.
That article is from January 2022. The latest news puts the introduction in 2027-2028, and seems to point to introduction in EVs at that time:
Toyota unveils sweeping plans for new battery tech, EV innovation | Reuters
I wonder what models will get attention from Toyota first after the Prius? I’d like to see variations of the RAV4 & Highlander with the ability to go 700 miles or more on a single charge, but if there is as promised also with the ability to charge in 15 minutes, it will be a breakthrough, the rules of the game will be changed.
I doubt that will be available even 10 years from now. The cost and weight of batteries will make that prohibitive. Based on the difference in cost and range for a Tesla Model 3 base and long range, it would cost an additional $20,000 for a range of 500 miles, an increase in cost of 68% over the base Model 3. Are you willing to pay that? Even if the price of batteries is cut in half in the next decade, that’s still a 34% premium.
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The batteries will be used in brand new EVs, it now seems, not existing hybrids. Even if used in hybrids, it would just be to replace the existing batteries to prove up the technology, no major change to capabilities, I bet.
It certainly would be a game changer. But think of the demands this would place on the charging network, a huge increase in the current required.
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Maybe not. The lower the charge time, the less overlap occurring. Might be a good theoretical exercise to perform. Look at X number of cars charging at the lower current demand but for 10x longer versus those same X number of cars charging at a higher rate but less overlap due to the lower amount of time connected and charging, randomly disbursed over the longer time period…
I was thinking of the current needed for one car. Cut the charging time by 75%, increase the range by 100%, now they’ve increased the current needed by a factor of 8 for that charging station. That’s a LOT.
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Imagine the size and weight of the charging cable with 8 times the ampacity! That is a LOT of copper!
Small adults will struggle to drag that beast up to the charge socket.
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I think that was pie in the sky wish made earlier, nobody is doubling the range. The storage density is the same but slightly smaller form factor. The way I read it- EVs would be more acceptable if they had double the range OR could charge to the existing range in 5-10 minutes. That would be a game changer because you don’t have to wait. Who needs double the range if it only takes 5-10 minutes to full charge? It’s no big deal to “refuel” then.
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As we slowly transition from gasoline to electric, a number of changes of equipment and habits will be required. “Currently”, our power plant system will not be up to the task, so new plants or solar will be needed. The habit of refueling a full tank in 5 minutes may be replaced by an overnight plug-in system. Or, there may be lines at the chargers, just as we have for gasoline pumps. The Tesla owners already experience adaptive changes in their habits. Thus, we will be rebuilding our lives based upon the physical characteristics of a battery.
The dominant electric utility in my state began installing a solar panel on ~90% of their poles about 10 years ago, and at this point it is unusual to see one of their poles w/o a solar panel. Additionally, the perimeter areas at all of their power distribution facilities have solar panels.
Many of the corporations in this area have had solar “farms” on their property for quite a while. I signed up with a commercial solar farm developer that installs their panels on the roofs of warehouses and other large buildings, and then they feed that power into the local utility’s grid. Those who signed-up get a 21% discount on their utility bill. What’s not to like?
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Imagine the price that cable will bring at the Recyclers after being stolen… Them Cat burglars will invest in 1000 volt gloves and really big cutters for some of that action… lol
BTW I just saw some high voltage (1000 volt AC) gloves that had a 30 day money back guaranty… WTF?? If they don’t work your are dead, not much use in returning them at that point…
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A charging setup that has things for people to do while they wait would be ideal. An area for shopping, eating and maybe even a gym for customers to charge their cars while they’re taking care of other tasks at the same time.
Near me, there is a large array of Tesla chargers in the parking lot of a Panera restaurant. Although it would be a 2 block walk, there are both a Target and a Costco w/in that radius.
Directly adjacent to the Panera, there are two smallish commercial structures going up, and although there are no signs on them as of yet, I think that at least one of them will be a fast food joint.
Less coal burning and more exercise. makes this a win-win!
I know I might be late on this, but I really like Toyota’s new design language. Their new designs are very futuristic. Toyota’s cars have been conservative in the past, but their newer stuff has been pretty appealing.