Automotive

Toyota teams up with Panasonic to build prismatic EV batteries

Toyota and Panasonic have teamed up to develop next-gen batteries for electric vehicles
Toyota
Toyota and Panasonic have teamed up to develop next-gen batteries for electric vehicles
Toyota

Toyota is continuing its big push into the electric mobility space, enlisting the expertise of Panasonic to develop advanced batteries for electric vehicles with zero tailpipe emissions. The newly announced Prime Planet Energy & Solutions joint venture from the two Japanese companies will launch in the coming months, with plans to develop batteries not just for Toyota but the industry as a whole.

This isn’t the first time Toyota and Panasonic have joined forces for cleaner mobility. The latter has previously helped develop solar roofs for the former’s Prius PHEV, and has helped develop battery technology for some of Toyota's electric vehicles for more than a decade.

At the beginning of last year, the pair announced they were collaborating on a new venture, which we now know to be Prime Planet Energy & Solutions. The project will involve 5,100 employees who will be working on prismatic batteries for electric vehicles, which are square-shaped devices built to maximize available space by layering the various battery components on top of one another.

The team will also be developing new solid-state battery designs, in the hope of attracting business from EV-makers other than Toyota. Prime Planet Energy & Solutions is slated to begin operating on April 1, 2020.

Source: Toyota

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5 comments
Gordien
I believe that a swappable battery system would really solve some of the issues with electric cars. Also, a universal battery could be used for so many other things. I am tired of have so many different systems for all of the electric this I own. Use 10 batteries for the car and 20 for the electric camper van, a few for the ATV, 1 or 2 for the bicycle, 1 for the lawn mower, and 1 for the chain saw. Charge them at home, or let them get charged at the neighborhood charging station. Own the vehicle and lease the batteries - let a professional manage the condition of the batteries
buzzclick
Toyota's long experience in mobility technologies and Panasonic's expert knowledge of battery development makes this an ideal union. I say go for it!
Douglas Rogers
The battery should come with a standard interface so it can be swapped at each charging.
ljaques
Great pair-up once again!
ReservoirPup
Everything in this union aligns well except that date of April 1