At a recently held technical briefing, Toyota revealed plans for several new technologies, including next-gen EV batteries, aerodynamic drag reduction, and manufacturing upgrades to help transform the company in the electric era. After discovering a breakthrough, Toyota says it aims to offer solid-state state EV batteries that could potentially offer over 900 miles driving range.
Several Toyota executives spoke at the event, explaining the automaker’s upcoming EV tech strategy with concepts that are under development.
Although governments and investors are urging Toyota to go all-electric, the Japanese automaker continues to stick to a hybrid strategy that includes EVs, PHEVs, HEVs, and fuel cell vehicles (FCEV).
Toyota did reveal several new innovations to support its next-generation EVs, including the following:
Manufacturing upgrades to reduce costs
Hypersonic tech to enhance aerodynamics
EV battery tech, including solid-state batteries
Fundamental changes to improve EV product appeal
To ensure its future EVs are profitable, Toyota says it will incorporate a simple and slim vehicle body structure through Giga casting. The process used by Tesla simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of pieces needed to make the car.
Gigacast (Source: Toyota)
Toyota will also integrate technology like a self-propelling assembly line to enable mass-produced cars to move along the assembly line independently.
Through the investments, Toyota aims to cut production lead time, production processes, and factory investment for mass-produced EVs by 50%, a significant fixed cost reduction.
The Japanese automaker is also studying new technology that can reduce drag, such as hypersonic tech used in rockets, for its EVs. Toyota says it’s exploring innovations with the Space Systems Division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Rocket hypersonic tech for aerodynamics (Source: Toyota)
Toyota’s new EV battery tech roadmap
One of the biggest takeaways from Toyota’s briefing was its next-gen EV battery tech. Toyota says it’s advancing its efforts to introduce its next generation of electric vehicles in 2026 with a cruising range of over 620 miles (1,000 km).
The automaker plans to expand its lineup to provide various options to offer buyers more driving range at lower costs.
EV battery tech timeline (Source: Toyota)
Toyota will offer two next-gen battery types in 2026 and 2027, including performance and popularized versions. The performance will use the same lithium nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery chemistry as the bZ4X electric SUV, but will offer 20% more driving range with a 20% cost reduction.
The bZ4X offers 382 miles (615 km) CLTC driving range (however, only 252 miles EPA range), so a 20% increase would be just over 458 miles CLTC.
The popularized version is expected to also offer 20% more driving range, but with a 40% reduction in costs, compared to its first electric model, using a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry.
Its “further evolution” includes a high-performance battery that combines a bipolar structure with a high nickel cathode to increase cruising range by 10%, reduce costs by 20%, and offer quick charging (10% to 80%) in 20 minutes or less.
Toyota bZ4X (Source: Toyota)
Toyota has also discovered a technological breakthrough with solid-state EV battery tech. The battery is expected to offer a 20% improvement in cruising range.
The automaker says it’s accelerating development and aims for mass production from 2027 to 2028, targeting 20% more range and a 10-minute quick charge. A higher-performance version is under research and development, which Toyota says will deliver 50% more cruising range, suggesting it would be over 900 miles.
Small eAxle (Source: Toyota)
Toyota also plans to downsize key EV components, including the motor, gear, train, and inverters, with a “small eAxle” to offer more range and less drag. With next-gen SiC wafers, Toyota aims for 50% less power loss to improve EV energy consumption.
At the end of the briefing, Toyota previewed its multi-pathway platform by converting the powertrain of a Crown into an electric car (shown at the top).
Electrek’s Take
Let’s be clear – there are a lot of bold claims in Toyota’s latest tech briefing. Keep in mind many of these are concepts Toyota is researching and plans to develop or is developing already.
Toyota, and many automakers, have made bold claims in the past like this that have never come to fruition, so don’t get your hopes up too much.
Meanwhile, the new strategy comes a day after several Toyota shareholders revealed they have voted or plan to vote to oust longtime leader and well-known EV critic Akio Toyoda from the board over the automaker failing to set a date to go all-electric.
Toyota may be feeling the pressure to accelerate BEV development, but it continues investing in other areas, including fuel cell and hybrid technology, which will likely be a costly strategy going forward. That’s why shareholders are urging the automaker to pick up the pace or risk losing out on profits.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
Tesla has finally turned on its first full V4 Supercharger (stalls plus cabinets), capable of 500 kW charging, marking the end of a confusing rollout of the next-generation chargers over the last three years.
The Supercharger network is by far the best large-scale electric vehicle fast-charging network in the world.
It is arguably the best thing Tesla has ever done.
The network leads in terms of scale, usefulness, reliability, and overall ease of use. In Europe and Asia, there’s decent competition, but in North America, there’s no close second.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
However, there’s one aspect of fast-charging networks where Tesla doesn’t lead: charging rate and, therefore, time.
For a decade, other charging networks have achieved and even surpassed a 350 kW peak charge rate.
In fact, in 2016, when Tesla started talking about its next-gen V3 Superchargers, I asked CEO Elon Musk if it would be capable of 350 kW charging, and he suggested that it would be higher than that – calling 350 kW “a children’s toy”:
That comment didn’t age well as Tesla’s V3 Supercharger peaked at 250 kW, and it has been the norm for almost the last 10 years.
In 2023, Tesla started deploying “V4 Superchargers”, but the rollout has been confusing.
Instead, Tesla only deployed V4 charging stalls or posts, but the power actually comes from the charging cabinets, and those remained the same V3 cabinets.
The main change with the new charging posts was the introduction of a new, longer charging cable, which enabled easier accessibility for non-Tesla vehicles, many of which have different charge port locations.
Today, Tesla confirmed that its first full V4 Supercharger station (with V4 stalls and power cabinets) has been activated in Redwood City, California:
The automaker shared an image of the first people to charge at the new V4 Supercharger station:
However, you can’t take advantage of the new capacity with a Model 3. Only Tesla’s Cybertruck can use the full capacity of the new V4 Superchargers.
Tesla shared a video of a Cybertruck reaching the max capacity:
The video showed the Cybertruck virtually completely depleted. Therefore, it’s unclear how long it can maintain the peak 500 kW charge rate, but the video suggests that it can charge from 0 to 80% state of charge in 35 minutes, which is a great charge time.
For now, only Tesla vehicles can charge at the new V4 Superchargers, but the automaker aims to make it available to non-Tesla vehicles soon.
Many more non-Tesla models can take advantage of the higher charge than Tesla models, which is limited to the Cybertruck.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
EcoFlow launches new DELTA 3 Max and Ultra power stations with up to $2,000 in savings + FREE gear starting from $759
While its Early Prime Day Sale continues through October 6, EcoFlow is launching the parallel early-bird deals on its new DELTA 3 series of power stations, which are not yet available on Amazon. Things start with EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 Max Portable Power Station (and bundles) starting from $759.05 shipped for the station with a FREE trolley, after using the code 25EFAFFD3S at checkout for an additional 5% off. This new power solution will carry a $1,499 MSRP once these early launch savings end on October 12, with this being your first chance at cash savings. This is quite the release discount as the 49% markdown we’re seeing during this period cuts $740 off the going rate and sets the bar for future discounts/sales. Head below to learn more about this new unit and check out its bundle savings options.
EcoFlow’s new DELTA 3 Max power station brings a sizeable increase in capacity and output over the DELTA 3 Classic (formerly known as the DELTA 3 Plus), with a doubled 2,048Wh LiFePO4 battery that can be expanded higher than its predecessor up to 10,240Wh using either the DELTA 3, DELTA Pro 3, DELTA 2 Max, or DELTA 2 smart extra batteries. It can provide up to 2,400W of steady power through its nine output ports (four ACs, three USB-Cs, one USB-A, and one car port), surging as high as 3,400W to support hungrier devices/appliances thanks to the X-Boost 3.0 tech installed.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
One thing to note here is that this model does have an upgraded DELTA 3 Max Plus counterpart launching today too, which brings much of the same features, just with an increased output capacity of 3,000W to 6,000W. Coming rated for a minimum of 10 years of continuous power, you’ll have four primary ways to charge the DELTA 3 Max: via a standard AC outlet, with a gas generator, using the car port/ separately sold alternator charger (bundles below), or by connecting up to its max 500W solar input.
***Note: the extra savings have not been factored into any of the prices below, so be sure to use the code 25EFAFFD3S at checkout to score the best possible launch deals!
EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 Max launch deals (with FREE trolley):
EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 Max Plus launch deals (with FREE 10k power bank):
DELTA 3 Max Plus (2,048Wh + increased output) power station: $1,099 (Reg. $1,899)
Of course, if you’re looking for an alternate unit, especially ones with much larger capacities and capabilities, be sure to check out EcoFlow’s full Early Prime Day Sale lineup here, with up to 65% discounts, bonus savings, free gifts, and more – all starting from $169.
Bluetti takes up to 63% off power stations and bundles in its Early Prime Day Sale + select exclusive savings – all from $329
Bluetti has officially launched its Early Prime Day Sale running through October 6 with up to 63% discounts, as well as continuing exclusive bonus savings on the brand’s latest release. Those bonus savings drop the new Apex 300 Versatile Power Station to $1,394.10 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5TOYS10F at checkout (which only works for Apex 300 purchases). This new unit would normally run you $2,399 at full price outside of these sales and exclusive pricing for our readers, which we’ve seen go as low as $1,439 in past sales with the exclusive savings since hitting the market in August. Now you can score it lower than ever, as the 42% combined markdown here cuts $1,005 off the tag for the all-time lowest price we have tracked. Head below to learn more about this unit and the many others benefiting from discounts during this event.
EGO’s 56V 16-inch cordless chainsaw covers storm debris, firewood collection, more at $219 annual low
Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 16-inch Cordless Chainsaw with 2.5Ah battery at $219 shipped. This package would normally run for $279 without any discounts, which we’ve seen drop lowest to $219 in 2025, while going as low as $189 in a one-time discount a year ago. You’re looking at a 22% markdown that has been holding strong through September, with $60 slashed from the price for the third-best rate we have tracked over all, and the best price of 2025.
You can prepare for snowfall with these 60V Greenworks snow blower kits starting from $360 (Save up to $188)
As we are stepping into fall, winter is not far off, which means we’re starting to see more frequent discounts on snow-clearing tools at Amazon, like the Greenworks Pro 60V 22-inch Cordless Single-Stage Snow Blower with two 5.0Ah batteries at $562.49 shipped, matching the price direct from the brand’s website. Normally going for $750 at full price, discounts over 2025 have mostly kept things above $630, though there was a one-time fall to $548 back in January, and a drop lower to the $490 low at the end of 2024. This is a 25% markdown that cuts $188 off the going rate for the second-best price of 2025 and the third-lowest rate overall. Head below to learn more about this model and its counterparts that are also seeing discounts.
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
BYD is bringing China’s EV price war, which it helped ignite, overseas. After launching steep discounts of up to 50% on its most popular EVs, BYD wants to charge up sales in this key overseas region
BYD is heavily discounting EVs in Japan
It has been over two years since BYD introduced its first vehicle in Japan in early 2023, but the company has yet to experience the explosive sales growth it has seen in other overseas regions.
It isn’t all BYD’s fault. Japan is a notoriously brutal market for foreign automakers. Domestic brands, like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, dominate sales year after year, mostly with low-cost city cars.
Lower-priced vehicles are BYD’s specialty, and one of the main factors driving its impressive growth in China and overseas regions, including Southeast Asia, parts of Europe, and Central and South America. But Japan is a different beast.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
Since entering the market in January 2023, BYD has sold just 5,300 vehicles in Japan through June of this year. The company now offers four EVs in Japan and just opened its 45th sales location.
BYD Dolphin (left) and Atto 3 (right) at the 2024 Tokyo Spring Festival (Source BYD Japan)
To attract buyers, BYD launched an aggressive campaign offering discounts of up to 50% off EVs, including government subsidies.
“Maybe it’s time for an EV,” the company is promoting. On BYD’s website, the Seal, Atto 3, and Dolphin are all listed as on sale.
The BYD Atto 3 goes on sale in Japan (Source: BYD Japan)
The Atto 3, one of BYD’s top-selling electric SUVs, starts at just ¥4.18 million ($28,100), down from ¥4.4 million ($29,600) earlier this year.
Although the price cuts were effective in China, they could backfire in Japan. According to Bloomberg Intelligence senior auto analyst Tatsuo Yoshida, the move could hurt resale value and risk upsetting current BYD drivers who paid higher prices for the same vehicle.
BYD Atto 3 (left) and Dolphin (right) EVs in Japan (Source: BYD)
Meanwhile, it may not all be about market share for BYD. “Winning Japan isn’t the point; leaving a mark is. Earning even a sliver of recognition from the most demanding customers in the world matters for BYD,” Yoshida said.
What BYD really wants, “is to have a track record of doing business in Japan with the world’s most discerning, quality conscious customers,” Bloomberg’s senior auto analyst explained, “even if it’s not economically rational.”
Can BYD make its mark in Japan? It’s planning to launch its first electric kei car, the small city cars that fill Japan’s streets, in the second half of 2026.
BYD’s mini electric car will compete with the Nissan Sakura, Japan’s top-selling EV, and the recently launched Honda N-ONE e, the brand’s first compact electric vehicle. Honda launched the N-ONE e on September 12, starting at just ¥2.7 million ($18,300).