Highlights

• Subaru begins solid-state battery testing at its Oizumi Plant in Japan.

• Promises longer EV driving range, ultra-fast charging, and higher energy density.

• Early trials on robotics and industrial equipment before scaling to EVs.

• Testing expected to move into electric cars by late 2025.

• Goal: mass use of solid-state batteries across industries by 2030.

Subaru Starts Solid-State Battery Trials

Subaru has officially entered the next stage of EV innovation—solid-state battery testing. Following Toyota’s lead, the company is trialing this breakthrough technology at its Oizumi Plant in Japan. The aim is simple but ambitious: to deliver electric vehicles that go farther, charge faster, and last longer.

What Makes Solid-State Batteries Different

Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte in lithium-ion cells with a solid material. This small change brings massive benefits:

• Driving Range Boost: Potential for 700–1,000 km per charge.

• Quick Recharging: Minutes instead of hours.

• Longer Lifespan: Up to 10 years of reliable use.

• Better Safety: Less risk of overheating, leaks, or fires.

This technology could solve the biggest frustrations EV owners face today.

How Subaru Is Testing Solid-State Batteries

At Oizumi, Subaru is using automated robots to streamline production processes. For now, the company is testing smaller ceramic-packed cells made by Maxwell Limited, designed for industrial equipment. These early tests are crucial for proving durability and performance before moving to large-scale car batteries.

• Stage 1: Industrial equipment testing.

• Stage 2 (2025): Trials in electric vehicles.

• Stage 3 (2030 target): Mass deployment in cars and other applications.

Subaru’s Long-Term Vision for EVs

Unlike many automakers rushing battery rollouts, Subaru is taking a measured approach. The brand is committed to refining the chemistry and ensuring safety before launching cars with solid-state batteries.

By 2030, Subaru plans to integrate this technology into cars, machinery, and consumer products, making EV ownership more reliable and cost-efficient.

Impact on the EV Industry

Subaru’s move strengthens the global race toward advanced EV batteries. If successful, this technology could redefine how drivers see electric mobility:

• No more range anxiety thanks to extended mileage.

• Charging as quick as refueling at the pump.

• Lower long-term costs for owners due to decade-long battery life.

• Cleaner footprint with fewer raw materials required.

Conclusion

Subaru’s push into solid-state battery testing is more than a research milestone—it’s the start of an EV shift that could finally make long-range, fast-charging, safe electric cars mainstream. With trials moving from equipment to vehicles by late 2025, the road to 2030 looks set for a quiet but powerful transformation.

 FAQ Section

What is Subaru’s solid-state battery project?

Subaru has begun testing solid-state batteries at its Oizumi Plant in Japan. The goal is to create EV batteries with longer driving ranges, faster charging, and up to 10 years of lifespan.

When will Subaru use solid-state batteries in cars?

Subaru expects to start testing solid-state batteries in electric vehicles by late 2025, with broader deployment targeted by 2030.

Why are solid-state batteries better than lithium-ion?

Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one. This makes them safer, more energy-dense, faster to charge, and capable of lasting much longer than lithium-ion batteries.

How far can EVs travel with solid-state batteries?

Early research suggests EVs equipped with solid-state batteries could achieve 700–1,000 km per charge, significantly reducing range anxiety.

Will Subaru rush solid-state batteries into production?

No. Subaru has emphasized a cautious approach, ensuring the chemistry and safety of the batteries are perfected before mass adoption.