ELECTRIC CARS - The Holy Grail of Batteries

Toyota says it foresees making EVs that could go 745 miles between charges. Industr observers have heard that kind of talk before

- EILEEN FALKENBERG-HULL

RIGHT NOW, THE LUCID AIR HAS the longest range of any battery-electric vehicle (BEV) on the market. It can go 516 miles between charges according to Environmental Protection Agency estimates. But Toyota Motor Company recently said its cars may eventually go even further thanks to solid-state batteries. Future Toyotas, the car maker said, may be able to go 745 miles between charges and charge to capacity in as little as 10 minutes.

Toyota, like many other automakers, has tasked its engineers with looking further into the future than just the next electric vehicle (EV). They're looking at future EV battery technologies, from cell composition to range and recharging capabilities.

BEVS on the market today have batteries with either lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride composition, sourced from various companies worldwide. These batteries are heavy and large, traditionally taking up most of the space between the wheels of the BEVS they power. Their size and weight cause BEVs to weigh more than their internal combustion powered counterparts. Heavy vehicles tend to damage roads at a higher rate than lighter vehicles, and a battery's power has to overcome the weight of the vehicle it propels. Solid-state batteries are the next frontier. But while they offer great promise, they're not yet ready for prime time.