What company is Toyota partnering for solid-state batteries?
Panasonic is Toyota's partner for solid-state batteries.
Toyota and Panasonic have a long-running collaboration centered on the joint venture Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES), which coordinates the development and prospective production of next-generation battery cells, including solid-state designs, for Toyota's electrified lineup. The goal is to boost energy density, safety, and charging performance as part of Toyota's broader electrification strategy in the coming years.
Partnership structure and timeline
The collaboration is organized around a joint venture that combines Toyota's vehicle engineering with Panasonic's battery manufacturing expertise to commercialize solid-state technology.
Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES)
PPES is the joint venture formed to oversee the development, production, and supply of battery cells—both solid-state and conventional lithium-ion—for Toyota vehicles, leveraging the strengths of both parent companies.
- Joint venture PPES is co-owned by Toyota and Panasonic to oversee battery development and production, including solid-state technology.
- Technology focus on solid-state battery cells, aiming to improve energy density, thermal stability, and fast charging for future Toyota EVs and hybrids.
- Manufacturing scale and supply chain: plans exist for large-scale production facilities and a global supply chain to support a growing vehicle portfolio.
- Timeline: development targets include pilot production in the mid-to-late 2020s, with broader commercialization as the technology matures.
- Panasonic's role: Panasonic remains the principal battery technology partner within the PPES framework, leveraging its cell manufacturing expertise.
In short, the alliance is designed to move solid-state battery technology from the lab to the showroom by leveraging PPES's combined strengths, with Toyota guiding vehicle integration and Panasonic handling production capabilities.
Why solid-state batteries matter for Toyota
Solid-state batteries replace the traditional liquid electrolyte with a solid electrolyte, offering potentially higher energy density, improved safety, and the possibility of faster charging. For Toyota, this could translate into longer-range EVs with lighter, more compact battery packs and enhanced thermal stability. However, challenges remain, including manufacturing at scale, higher initial costs, and ensuring long-term durability across a wide range of operating conditions. The partnership with Panasonic is a central element of Toyota's strategy to overcome these hurdles by aligning research, manufacturing efficiencies, and global supply chains.
Summary
Toyota's collaboration with Panasonic on solid-state batteries—led by the PPES joint venture—represents a strategic push to redefine electric-vehicle performance and cost. By combining Toyota's automotive know-how with Panasonic's manufacturing and materials expertise, the two companies aim to bring solid-state battery technology toward mass production in the coming years, accelerating Toyota's electrification ambitions.
