Toyota and Idemitsu Kosan Build Solid Electrolyte Pilot Plant

Toyota and its petroleum partner Idemitsu Kosan are launching construction of a pilot plant to produce solid electrolytes for Toyota's next-generation batteries. This facility, coming online in late 2027, will produce several hundred tonnes annually of electrolytes for the solid-state batteries Toyota plans to commercialize between 2027 and 2028.

"Several hundred tonnes of solid electrolytes per year starting in 2027—this is the industrial scale that's finally coming into focus." — Reuters

Japanese refiner Idemitsu Kosan has begun construction of this pilot facility at its Ichihara site in Chiba Prefecture. A project built on the success of two smaller demonstration installations already in operation.

The Improbable Alliance Between Oil and Electric

This collaboration between Toyota and an oil giant may seem counterintuitive, but it makes sense given Idemitsu's chemical expertise. The group commands the refining and chemical transformation processes necessary to produce complex solid electrolytes.

The Ichihara plant represents a major investment within Japan's Green Innovation Fund, with backing from the government agency NEDO. Idemitsu is aiming to build a complete value chain, from raw materials to battery components.

Revolutionary Batteries on the Horizon

Toyota promises spectacular performance with its future solid-state batteries. Early models should deliver 1,200 km of range, with a peak of 1,500 km on the most advanced versions. The manufacturer also highlights charging times of just 10 minutes.

These batteries replace the liquid electrolyte of conventional lithium-ion accumulators with a solid material. The result: superior thermal safety, higher energy density, and ultrafast charging.

When Will These Batteries Hit the Road?

Toyota is maintaining its commercialization timeline between 2027 and 2028. The first vehicles equipped could be premium versions of the bZ4X or new dedicated models. The manufacturer is also collaborating with Sumitomo Metal Mining to develop suitable cathode materials.

Idemitsu's facility fits into this industrial strategy. A second installation to produce lithium sulfide, an intermediate component of electrolytes, is also slated to launch in 2027.

The Race for Solid-State Batteries Heats Up

Toyota is not alone in this space. Multiple manufacturers and suppliers are investing heavily in this technology. But the partnership with Idemitsu could give the Japanese company a decisive advantage through the refiner's command of chemical processes.

This alliance illustrates the transformations underway in the industry. An oil company betting on electric, a manufacturer leaning on traditional chemical expertise: the energy transition is reshaping the landscape in unexpected ways.

If Toyota delivers on its promises, this Ichihara pilot plant could mark a turning point in the history of the electric vehicle. Check back in three years to see if 1,500 km of range becomes reality.

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