Toyota’s battery ‘breakthrough’ will see electric cars with 620-mile range by 2027

Toyota has announced that a ‘breakthrough’ in electric car battery technology will see significantly longer-range EVs on sale at a cheaper cost by 2027.

The Japanese firm has announced details about its four next-generation batteries as it looks ahead to future electric car development.

A range of batteries will be offered to customers as technology progresses, as well as a ‘Popularisation’ pack that aims to bring a significantly lower cost than current units – up to 40 per cent, the firm says. This will likely be used in Toyota’s entry-level electric models.

In 2027 Toyota is hoping to introduce solid-state batteries, which feature a different make-up to traditional lithium-ion packs (which are primarily used in EVs currently) and have a far higher energy density. The firm says it has had a ‘breakthrough’ with the technology, which will allow much longer ranges and reduced charging times without affecting the battery life.

The brand is also working on slimmer batteries that will enable its cars to be lower, especially for its upcoming electric sports cars. This will help to improve a vehicle’s aerodynamics and enhance the range in the process.