The two companies said they will set up a task force to work toward mass production technology for all-solid-state batteries, with the first stage to develop solid electrolytes, a key component of such batteries, at an Idemitsu pilot plant east of Tokyo.

Toyota President Koji Sato told reporters at a news conference on Thursday that the research and development phase of solid-state battery technology had “reached a certain point,” and the company will now consider factors key to mass production including the material of the battery.

“We hope to go beyond that by taking on the difficult challenge of mass-producing them,” he said.

All-solid-state batteries offer advantages over current technology through shorter charging time and giving vehicles a greater range.

The Japanese automaker aims to put all-solid-state batteries into practical use for EVs as early as 2027.