Toyota’s ultra-long-range EV batteries may have just hit a speed bump

Those ultra-long-range Toyota EV batteries we were waiting for? Yeah, they might take even longer than expected. Toyota is delaying plans to build a new EV battery plant in Japan, where it was expected to begin producing its next-gen batteries with over 620 miles (1,000 km) range in 2028.

When will Toyota’s long-range EV batteries launch?

It’s been almost two years since Toyota outlined plans to launch a series of next-generation EV batteries promising significantly more range, faster charging, and at a lower cost.

The first battery, “Performance,” was expected out next year with a nearly 500-mile (800-km) driving range and fast charging (10% to 80%) in 20 minutes. By 2027, plans included a new “Popularization” LFP battery with over 370 miles (600 km) and 40% faster charging than the bZ4X.

Toyota said it would follow up with “High Performance” Li-Ion batteries that could drive over 620 miles (1,000 km) with 20-minute fast charging.

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After buying a roughly 280,000 aquare meter plot of land for the battery factory in Fukuoka, Japan just last month, Toyota is reportedly already delaying construction. According to a report from Asahi Shimbun on Monday, Toyota’s president, Koji Sato, will visit the region to inform local officials.

Toyota planned to begin building the plant as early as this year. It was expected to begin production of the “High Performance” EV batteries in 2028, but that is also facing delays.

A company source said the reason was due to lower-than-expected EV demand and higher construction costs. Toyota may also postpone the launch of the next-gen electric Lexus sedan to ensure it has the tech and quality buyers are looking for.

Meanwhile, in the US, Toyota’s $14 billion NC battery plant will begin shipping out batteries next month. A Nikkei report last week claimed Toyota will supply batteries for the roughly 400,000 Honda hybrids in the US.

Electrek’s Take

Although Toyota is reportedly blaming slower-than-expected EV demand, bZ4X sales are finally picking up. In fact, it was the top-selling EV in Norway in January.

After another record year in 2024, with over 17 million EVs sold, global electric vehicle sales continued climbing by double digits in the first two months of 2025.

Toyota pushing back battery plans will only set it further behind global EV leaders like China’s BYD. BYD is known for its low-cost, long-range Blade LFP batteries. Because it makes most components in-house, including batteries, BYD not only sells cheap EVs, but it also makes money doing it. The Chinese EV maker topped Tesla last year after revenue surged to over $100 billion for the first time.

After unveiling a new lineup of electric SUVs for Europe, including the updated bZ4X, why would Toyota “take its foot off the gas” now? Check back soon for more. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.