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Toyota’s all-solid-state EV battery plans officially gained approval from Japan’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (METI). The certification gives Toyota the green light to develop and build next-gen EV batteries as part of Japan’s plans to boost domestic supply.

Toyota announced that the METI certification was granted to build EV batteries at several subsidiaries.

The certification enables Toyota to produce next-gen batteries at Prime Planet Energy Solution and Primeearth EV Energy. It also gained approval to build all-solid-state EV batteries.

The Toyota-affiliated companies mass produce batteries for its hybrid models, but are slowly transitioning for all-electric models.

Toyota took full control of Primeearth EV Energy earlier this year, a former joint venture with Panasonic. The move enables it to “respond flexibly to growing battery demand,” according to Toyota.

The Japanese auto giant plans to work with its subsidiaries as they shift to mass produce “a wide range” of EV batteries.

Toyota released its EV battery roadmap last year, which included several different types. The first “Performance” batteries are due out in 2026, while the “Popularization” will follow by the end of 2027.

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Toyota EV battery roadmap (Source: Toyota)

The former is expected to provide nearly 500 miles (800 km) WLTP driving range while the latter is expected to get around 373 miles (600 km) driving range. Both will feature drastic cost savings compared to the current bZ4X electric SUV.

Toyota’s future EV battery plans

Around 2028, Toyota plans to launch its “High Performance” batteries with over 620 miles (1,000 km) WLTP driving range and fast charging in 20 minutes.

Toyota also claimed to have discover a “technological breakthrough” with all-solid-state EV batteries. Its first solid-state batteries are due out around 2028 with over 620 miles (1,000 km) WLTP range and 10-minute fast charging.

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Toyota Land Cruiser Se EV concept (Source: Toyota)

The company said it will begin producing next-gen EV batteries (Performance Version) in 2026 and will be “gradually implemented.” Toyota aims to reach annual output of 9 GWh per year, but no specific timeline is set.

Toyota is among several companies in Japan investing a total of $7 billion (1 trillion yen) to boost domestic battery production.

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2024 Toyota bZ4X (Source: Toyota)

Japan aims to secure a stable supply of batteries as it shifts away from dependence on China or South Korea, which dominate the market.

Electrek’s Take

Toyota getting the green light on EV battery production could be a big step as Japan looks to lessen its reliance on China.

Then again, Toyota has been promising all-solid-state EV batteries for some time. They were first due out in 2021, then 2022, and now it looks like closer to 2030.

Toyota will “gradually” ramp up production, in its own words. Last year, it said mass production was planned for 2030 and beyond.

With government support, I would expect the “Popularization” and “Performance” batteries to hit the market, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up for all-solid-state batteries. At least, not anytime soon.

According to SNE Research, China still dominates the global EV battery market. CATL controlled a commanding 37.6% market share through July 2024, while BYD took second with a 16.1% share.

After falling behind early, Japan looks to play catch up as industry leaders including Toyota, Nissan, and Panasonic, are helping drive the efforts.

Source: Toyota

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Tesla’s sales fall 87% in Quebec as its market gets wiped out

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Tesla's sales fall 87% in Quebec as its market gets wiped out

Tesla’s sales have fallen 87% in Quebec in the first quarter 2025 compared to the same period last year.

The critical Canadian market has been wiped out, and Tesla is no longer importing new vehicles.

Quebec is the leading EV market in Canada, with the highest adoption rate of new electric vehicles.

That’s due to incentives, cheap hydro electricity, and a strong base of EV enthusiasts.

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As the EV leader in North America, Quebec became an important market for Tesla.

However, Tesla’s market in Quebec is now gone.

We don’t have all Canadian data for vehicle registrations in the first quarter; however, Le Devoir managed to obtain data for Quebec from the Société d’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), which revealed that Tesla delivered only 524 vehicles in Quebec during Q1 2025.

That’s down 87% compared to Q1 2024.

The pause in the Quebec and federal EV incentive programs contributed to the sharp decline, but the pause also happened in the quarter, which helped sales by creating urgency to buy and take delivery.

However, it also created an awkward situation for Tesla in which it was accused of filing thousands of questionable requests for incentives worth $42 million CAD, which it later claimed was a backlog of deliveries that it hadn’t filed yet.

This controversy added to growing brand damage for Tesla in Quebec and the broader Canada due to its CEO Elon Musk’s backing of Donald Trump, who is openly calling for the US to annex Canada.

Tesla’s Canadian Troubles are not over

While Q1 2025 was bad, Q2 could prove even worse. Tesla had to increase prices in Canada in April due to the Canadian government slapping 25% tariffs on its vehicles in response to Trump’s trade war.

The combination of the end of some incentive programs, the higher prices, and the degrading sentiment for Tesla in Canada and Quebec is leading to very few sales in the market.

A source familiar with the matter said that Tesla doesn’t plan to import more vehicles in the country this quarter due to low demand.

The broader EV market in Canada declined 45% in Q1 due to the pause in the incentive program, but Tesla’s decline was much sharper, indicating larger issues than just the lack of incentives.

Electrek’s Take

The situation for Tesla in Canada is even worse than in Europe right now. It’s not the largest market in terms of size, but it has a significantly higher EV adoption rate than the US and has helped Tesla in North America.

As long as the tariffs are in place, there’s little hope for Tesla in Canada.

Even if they are removed, which I hope happens soon, as it would mean a de-escalation of Trump’s dumb and illegal trade war, Tesla is still going to have major brand issues due to Musk’s backing of Trump and him saying some foolish things like “Canada is not a real country.”

All of those factors add to Tesla’s aging and limited lineup, which too heavily relies on Model Y, which had a refresh that wasn’t significant enough to revitalize sales.

It’s really hard to be optimistic about Tesla right now.

In Canada, Tesla currently has some inventory of the new Model Y, which it managed to secure before the tariffs. If you’re interested in a Cybertruck, there are plenty available. Although, I have a feeling that you are better off waiting a bit as I assume prices will come down.

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Here’s a closer look at Kia’s low-cost EV2 [Video]

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Here's a closer look at Kia's low-cost EV2 [Video]

Kia’s smallest and most affordable EV is already creating quite the buzz. The EV2 will sit below the EV3 in Kia’s expanding EV lineup. With its official launch approaching, the Kia EV2 was spotted on public roads, giving us a closer look at the upcoming electric SUV.

Take a closer look at the Kia EV2 caught on public roads

Although the EV2 will likely only be around 4,000 mm (157″) long, Kia promises it won’t feel so small when you’re actually in it.

Last month, we got a sneak peek of the interior at Milan Design Week. During an exclusive event, Kia showcased the EV2 concept and revealed a few new details we can expect to see.

Kia designed the EV2’s interior to be a relaxing retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, sort of like a porch or balcony. Thanks to its flat floor layout, the SUV offers flexible seating. By folding the second-row seats and pushing the front seats forward, the EV2 offers an open space to stretch out or “enjoy a meal,” according to Kia.

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Although no other details were offered, like Kia’s newer EVs, you can expect to see its new ccNC panoramic infotainment system with dual 12.3″ driver and navigation screens.

After the EV2 was spotted driving on public roads, we are getting a better look at Kia’s upcoming electric SUV. The video from ShortsCar reveals a front-end design similar to that of the EV3, EV5, and EV9, featuring its signature vertical daytime running lights (DRLs) and Star Map lightning.

Kia EV2 driving on public roads (Source: ShortsCar)

Despite its small size, the EV2 has a surprisingly large presence on the road, thanks to its upright stance and broad wheel arches, reminiscent of the larger EV9.

A production version of the EV2 was also spotted in Germany this week, with its European debut just around the corner. The images by SH Proshots (via TheKoreanCarBlog) show a similar design to the model caught driving in Korea.

Kia will launch the EV2 in Europe and other regions in early 2026. Prices and final specs will be revealed closer to then, but the EV2 is expected to arrive with a WLTP range of around 300 miles (483 km). Smaller battery options could offer less range at a lower price.

Since it’s slated to sit below the EV3, which is 4,300 mm (169″) long, the EV2 is expected to be closer to 4,000 mm (157″) in length.

Like Kia’s other electric vehicles, it will be based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, which also underpins its IONIQ series.

Kia’s CEO, Ho-Sung Song, told Autocar that the company plans to launch the EV2 in the UK with prices starting at about £25,000 ($32,000). Since that was a few years ago, plans could have changed. We will learn more soon. Check back for the latest.

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Voltpost just flipped the switch on its first public lamppost EV charger

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Voltpost just flipped the switch on its first public lamppost EV charger

Voltpost, a startup that turns existing lampposts into EV chargers, has officially launched its first public charging site in Oak Park, Illinois. The curbside charger, installed in partnership with the Park District of Oak Park and utility ComEd, brings easy, affordable EV charging access right to the neighborhood.

Instead of building entirely new charging stations, Voltpost retrofits existing lampposts with a modular Level 2 charging platform. That means less construction, lower costs, and quicker deployment – Voltpost says its EV charger can be installed on a lamppost in minutes. It’s controlled via a mobile app, and it’s designed to serve public spaces like curbs and parking lots, as well as private locations like university campuses and apartment complexes.

“The deployment of a Voltpost charger in Oak Park will expand EV charging access for the local community and help catalyze the transition to sustainable transportation,” said Voltpost CEO and cofounder Jeffrey Prosserman. “This builds on our work in New York and Michigan, and it’s a step toward scaling our platform nationwide.”

Voltpost says its approach is more sustainable and equitable, since it’s using infrastructure that’s already there instead of building from scratch. And it opens up EV charging to more people who don’t have a private driveway or garage.

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Kassie Porreca, president of the Park District Board of Commissioners, said, “Ensuring the residents of Oak Park benefit from affordable access to EV charging infrastructure is vital to fulfilling our commitment to serving the needs of our community.”

Najwa Abouhassan, senior manager at ComEd and a liaison for the 2c2i climate tech initiative, said this project connects innovation with community impact. “We’re proud to support Voltpost’s mission to bring sustainable, street-level charging to the places people live and work.”

With this first public site now live, Voltpost says it’s aiming to expand across the country, turning more streetlights into smart charging hubs for EV drivers.

In 2023, Voltpost participated in the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Studio program, a collaboration between the NYC DOT and Newlab. In its pilot, Voltpost installed chargers on lampposts at Newlab in Brooklyn and in a DOT parking lot. The chargers were installed in an hour, operated with a high uptime, and got positive feedback from EV drivers.

Read more: This lamppost EV charger just went commercial in the US


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