The alphabet soup that has become the automotive world is never ending, and if you’re like me and have a tough time making sense of it every once in a while, it can be a strange place. However, there’s just one term you really need to know pertaining to the future of EVs and their long-term viability — solid-state batteries.

In short, solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes instead of the traditional liquid ones, hence the term “solid-state.” This allows them to charge faster, carry more energy, and be safer than liquid options. At this point, we’ve all seen a meme of a Tesla on fire. Solid-state batteries are supposed to keep that from happening, and these five companies are leading the way forward in terms of investment dollars into solid-state batteries.

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1

Toyota

The legendary Japanese manufacturer touts a 2027 production date

Toyota

Leading the way in terms of solid-state battery investment is Toyota, who has repeatedly stated that its targeting a 2027 production date for its solid-state battery. Figures have been touted that demolish the rest of the competition when it comes to range, stating that a new Toyota solid-state-equipped car could reach over 700 miles on one charge, and then fully recharge in around 10 minutes.

Here is where I have a rub. Toyota has bowed out of the EV arms race that’s been taking place for about a decade now, and all of a sudden it wants to throw its hat into the mix? I won’t believe anything about a 700+ mile range until I see it in person, but as far as dollars and cents go, Toyota is trying its best to put its money where its mouth is.

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2

BMW

It’s no shock that BMW is hard at work in this space

BMW Group

BMW’s Neue Klasse of EVs is meant to carry the company into another generation of styling and EV performance, and it’s all supposed to happen sooner than later with a solid-state battery. According to BMW, production is already underway, and testing has begun on an i7 with an entirely solid-state battery pack. BMW is partnering with a company called Solid Power for the move to solid-state, and this partnership didn’t come out of nowhere.

BMW is still the same company that is still actively researching and showcasing hydrogen power at their own factories. How do I know? A friend of mine just went on a tour of the current research facility, where he got the full rundown of BMW’s research into these renewable sources of energy. It’s an exciting time to be a Beemer fan, especially with the Neue Klasse set to hit the lots sooner rather than later.

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3

Ford

The blue oval is one of the most underrated investors in this space

Ford

While other companies are boasting about the sheer dollar amount they’re investing in solid-state batteries or hopeful production dates that could (and probably will) get pushed back before it’s all said and done, Ford has kept its solid-state spending quiet, but not invisible.

Ford has poured money into a company known as Blue Current, which, oddly enough, was co-founded by a former Ford Motor Company researcher, Kevin Wujcik. Wujcik currently serves as Blue Current’s Chief Technology Officer, where he oversees Blue Current’s development of solid-state, silicon-based batteries that are meant to make EV ownership more economically feasible and, above all else, safer. Ford may not be the loudest in the room when it comes to solid-state conversation, but it certainly is one of the biggest spenders.

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4

Nissan

Despite recent trouble, the Japanese titan is investing heavily in a new plant

Nissan

Whatever you’ve heard about the current state of Nissan as a company, the head honchos don’t care. In fact, they don’t care to the point that they’re actively building a new plant in Yokohama. This plant is meant to house all the company’s future solid-state EV battery production, which it hopes to have fully integrated into its lineup in 2028.

Is that release date feasible? We don’t quite know. If you see a businessperson in a very nice suit who has constantly been sweating over the past few months, there’s a solid chance that said person is a Nissan stakeholder. It’s been a rocky 2025 for the company, but nonetheless, Nissan has pressed forward with its future vision for its lineup. Only time will tell if the company has to be sold to a competitor or not.

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5

Volkswagen (via QuantumScape)

The VW empire looks to be growing even further

Volkswagen

Sometimes I wonder if people fully grasp the scope of Volkswagen’s control over the automotive landscape. VW owns 10 different automotive brands, ranging from motorcycles and economy cars like Ducati along with VW to exotic sports car brands like Lamborghini and Porsche. Audi is in this mix as well, along with Skoda and Bentley. VW has a massive grip on the European automotive market, and is only strengthening its presence in the U.S.

One of the next steps towards expanding the company’s customer base will inevitably be the implementation of solid-state EV batteries. Similarly to Ford, VW is relying on outside companies with a better infrastructure already in place to produce solid-state batteries, and its company of choice is QuantumScape.

“Electric vehicles are the future of mobility, and this agreement with QuantumScape will ensure the Volkswagen Group’s global fleet has access to this groundbreaking battery technology for years to come,” said Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology in a statement released by VW Group. “We are committed to driving the industry forward to ensure that our electric vehicles set the benchmark for excellence and sustainability.”

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