Toyota Motor stated its solid-state battery technology under advancement could be a “game changer” for electric vehicles, however that does not indicate it is moving away from hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles.
Having long promoted fuel-cell vehicles and plug-in hybrids as the most sensible technologies to make cars greener, Japan’s top-selling automaker shocked industry watchers in 2016 with strategies to include full-sized electric vehicles (EVs) to its line-up.
While doing so, it joins a rush of worldwide automakers rushing to develop more EVs, in huge part due to China’s push to push the technology as a method to decrease pollution in the world’s biggest car market.
“We believe our solid-state battery technology can be a game changer with the potential to significantly enhance driving range,” Executive Vice President Didier Leroy stated at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Toyota prepares to present a new electric vehicle in the early 2020s powered by solid-state batteries, which likewise assure to decrease the long charging times presently required.
Although China has greatly promoted electric automobiles, Japan has laid out plans to leader a hydrogen-fueled society.
Leroy noted that Toyota was presenting two new fuel-cell vehicles at the motor show, consisting of the six-seater “Fine-Comfort Ride” concept, with a travelling range of about 1,000 km (620 miles).
A production version of the second model, the “Sora” fuel-cell bus, will be released next year, with over 100 expected to be sold, generally in Tokyo, before the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in the city.