What car batteries does Toyota use?
Toyota uses several battery types depending on the vehicle: a 12-volt lead-acid battery for starting and electronics, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) traction packs for many hybrids, and lithium-ion (Li-ion) packs for plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles.
The makeup of Toyota’s battery technology reflects the company’s broad lineup, spanning traditional gasoline cars, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and BEVs. Suppliers and chemistries can vary by model and by region as Toyota updates its technology roadmap and partnerships.
12-volt systems powering the car
Before outlining the common 12-volt configurations, note that the 12V battery is separate from the high-voltage traction battery used in hybrids and electric vehicles. It primarily powers starting, lighting, and onboard electronics. Toyota typically uses a traditional flooded lead-acid battery in older or simpler models, while newer cars often employ advanced AGM (absorbed glass mat) or EFB (enhanced flooded battery) variants to support stop-start systems.
- Lead-acid 12-volt batteries (flooded, with AGM or EFB variants in newer models)
- AGM and EFB options chosen to support stop-start and high electronics load
In short, the standard 12V battery remains a separate, serviceable component from the high-voltage traction system, with modern Toyota models leaning toward AGM or EFB designs for improved performance.
High-voltage traction batteries for hybrids
Beyond the 12V system, Toyota’s hybrids rely on high-voltage traction batteries. The company uses two main chemistries across its hybrid lineup, with NiMH still common in many models and Li-ion increasingly used in newer plug-in hybrids and some hybrid variants.
- Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) traction batteries — widely used across most traditional Toyota hybrids (e.g., Prius, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Corolla Hybrid)
- Lithium-ion (Li-ion) traction batteries — used in plug-in hybrids like Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime, with broader adoption in newer hybrid configurations
- Solid-state battery development (pilot programs) — research and pilots that are not yet in mass production
Overall, NiMH remains prevalent for cost-effective, robust hybrid operation, while Li-ion traction packs are expanding to support higher electric ranges and more flexible packaging in plug-in hybrid variants.
Fully electric and plug-in electric vehicles
For fully electric and higher-capacity plug-in electric vehicles, Toyota uses larger Li-ion battery packs. The exact chemistry and supplier mix varies by model and market, but Li-ion cells are standard for BEVs and PHEVs in Toyota’s lineup.
- BeV packs (e.g., bZ-series) — lithium-ion battery packs sourced from major suppliers, with Panasonic commonly involved in global markets and CATL supplying cells for certain regional versions
- Plug-in hybrids (e.g., RAV4 Prime, Prius Prime) — Li-ion traction batteries with higher capacity to enable longer electric-only ranges
Chemistry in these packs is typically lithium-ion, with cell chemistries including NMC (nickel manganese cobalt oxide) or NCA (nickel cobalt aluminum) depending on the supplier. Toyota’s BEV programs often reflect regional sourcing arrangements and ongoing supplier diversification.
Who supplies Toyota batteries?
Toyota relies on a diversified supplier network for its battery needs. Panasonic has long been a key partner for NiMH and Li-ion cells in many hybrids, while CATL has stepped in to supply Li-ion cells for some Toyota BEVs in certain markets, as part of broader collaborations announced in the early 2020s. The company continues to explore additional partnerships and solid-state technology as part of its future mobility strategy.
- Panasonic — primary supplier for NiMH traction packs in many hybrids and for Li-ion cells in several Toyota electrified models
- CATL — supplier of Li-ion cells for Toyota BEVs in select regions, notably China, amid regional partnerships
The battery-supply landscape for Toyota is evolving, with regional variations and ongoing research into next-generation technologies such as solid-state batteries that could reshape future vehicles.
Summary
In summary, Toyota employs a mix of 12-volt lead-acid batteries, NiMH traction packs, and Li-ion traction and high-voltage packs across its vehicle lineup. NiMH remains common in traditional hybrids, Li-ion is increasingly used in plug-in hybrids and BEVs, and battery cell suppliers include Panasonic and CATL, with the possibility of other partners in different markets. Toyota continues to expand its electrification portfolio, while also pursuing next-generation battery technologies for the road ahead.
