Q&A FROM JAPAN: SOLID STATE BATTERIES AND THE FUTURE OF SMALL CARS

EV Channels Review

This 'Questions, Coffee & Cars' segment from the Japan Mobility Show features Toyota Canada executives Scott MacKenzie and Stephen Bey addressing viewer inquiries. Key discussions revolve around the future of battery technology, with solid-state batteries anticipated around 2027-2028, promising significantly increased range (up to 1600 km) and faster charging (10-80% in 10 minutes), while also enhancing safety by eliminating liquid electrolytes. The executives emphasize Toyota's continued commitment to a diverse powertrain strategy, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids, alongside battery-electric vehicles, acknowledging varying global infrastructure needs. They also touch upon the discontinuation of affordable small cars, attributing it to evolving regulations and packaging constraints that favor larger vehicles. While specific model updates like the RAV4 redesign are not officially confirmed, a typical refresh cycle suggests a potential 2025 model year update. The possibility of expanding the popular Cavalry Blue color to more models is also positively addressed.