This automaker is a global solid-state battery patent leader: Study

A Nikkei Asia study has revealed that the global solid-state picture is majorly dominated by Japanese companies where Toyota comes out as the leader in the field. The study shows that Toyota holds 1,331 patents followed by Panasonic which owns 445 patents and Idemitsu Kosan with 272 patents. Reportedly Toyota increased its patent figures from 2016 to 2020 by 40 per cent.

Toyota has been focusing on the innovation of solid-state batteries since 2020 when the automaker showcased the world’s first prototype electric vehicle sporting solid-state batteries based on the LQ concet. Toyota and Panasonic are also working together on solid-state batteries, a joint venture that both the companies started in 2020.

With its ongoing research, Toyota also has plans to install its first solid-state battery in a hybrid set-up that it aims to launch in the next few years. The automaker's first electric vehicle with solid-state batteries that it had planned to bring in last year is yet to be introduced, however, it is being suggested that this concept model will be revealed soon. Though, the production model may come in the middle of the decade. The high cost of solid-state technology becoming a hurdle achieve mainstream business.

Many auto companies are putting their resources to develop solid-state technology. Vietnamese EV startup VinFast recently announced it is going to invest in a battery startup called ProLogium.

Toyota launched its first electric vehicle the bZ4X SUV this year. The new electric vehicle is based on Toyota's TNGA platform and promises a range of 559 km. The Toyota bZ4X SUV is available in two trims where one is capable to churn power of 201 bhp while the other featuring two-motor set up can generate power of 215 bhp. Toyota is expecting to sell around 5,000 units of the new bZ4X SUV.