EV (electric vehicle) News and Discussion

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#3460130 10-Feb-2026 09:00

fastbike:

gzt:
The article indicates completion in 2027/2028. It's some indication that Toyota see solid state as mature and ready for volume manufacturing soonish. There is no indication how much volume that plant will produce.

Reading the transcript of the question asked at their share holders meeting it appears they are "hopeful" they will meet this date. They have been touting SS since 2009.

At least, unlike nuclear fusion, solid state batteries will always be only 3 years away.

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maoriboy

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#3460132 10-Feb-2026 09:32

HarmLessSolutions:

gzt: I'm interested in V2G for the V2H aspect for power during power cuts. Googling around NZ it's difficult to find out what equipment is available and what the cost might be. I see there have been a few trials here and there. I'm with Vector if that makes any difference.

This is a Sigenergy based system with V2G functionality: https://www.solar-one.co.nz/residentialsolar/project-two-ky966-m37fk-sghj2-5rdjf-n8g2j-danya

Single or 3 phase DC charging at home sounds interesting. I wonder how much that would cost? I'm guessing it isn't cheap.

HarmLessSolutions

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#3460146 10-Feb-2026 10:52

maoriboy:

HarmLessSolutions:

This is a Sigenergy based system with V2G functionality: https://www.solar-one.co.nz/residentialsolar/project-two-ky966-m37fk-sghj2-5rdjf-n8g2j-danya

Single or 3 phase DC charging at home sounds interesting. I wonder how much that would cost? I'm guessing it isn't cheap.

The Sigenergy DC charging sits 'behind' the inverter and is supplied direct from the batttery stack so phases don't really come into it.

https://www.harmlesssolutions.co.nz/

gzt

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#3460217 10-Feb-2026 14:23

SaltyNZ: At least, unlike nuclear fusion, solid state batteries will always be only 3 years away.

Similar announcement from BYD today has more clarity - small batch deployment in 2026 with expectation of real market volume in 2030:

https://carnewschina.com/2026/02/09/byd-breaks-ground-with-solid-state-battery-and-10000-cycle-sodium-tech-power-2027-evs/

Toyota gave less detail and is likely to be in a similar position in reality imo. Always around the corner.

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#3460222 10-Feb-2026 14:58

gzt:

Toyota gave less detail and is likely to be in a similar position in reality imo. Always around the corner.

... and more expensive...

"CTO noted that scaled solid-state batteries could reach cost parity with conventional liquid-electrolyte ternary cells, supporting broader commercial viability."

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#3460421 11-Feb-2026 08:28

SaltyNZ:

At least, unlike nuclear fusion, solid state batteries will always be only 3 years away.

A little more for mass market BYD but high end vehicles from them next year:

https://www.drivencarguide.co.nz/news/byd-confirms-solid-state-battery-production-in-2027-mass-market-by-2030/

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#3461466 14-Feb-2026 12:22

Toyota shows Highlander EV 2027 - production will be in USA

https://electrek.co/2026/02/11/toyota-reveals-highlander-ev-as-first-3-row-electric-suv-images/

Some sources indicate it will support bidirectional charging. Same 1500kg tow rating as the hybrid. Initial price in the US$50k range.

https://www.drivencarguide.co.nz/news/toyota-highlander-goes-electric-but-will-it-come-here/

"The Highlander will be available with two battery capacities and two drivetrain options across two spec levels - XLE and Limited - with the XLE available in either FWD or AWD forms, while the top-spec Limited is AWD only." On local availability Toyota Australia says no. Toyota NZ yet to respond. Moving away from the bz badge and into the standard naming is a good sign.

HarmLessSolutions

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#3461473 14-Feb-2026 12:38

gzt: Toyota shows Highlander EV 2027 - production will be in USA

https://electrek.co/2026/02/11/toyota-reveals-highlander-ev-as-first-3-row-electric-suv-images/

Some sources indicate it will support bidirectional charging. Same 1500kg tow rating as the hybrid. Initial price in the US$50k range.

https://www.drivencarguide.co.nz/news/toyota-highlander-goes-electric-but-will-it-come-here/

"The Highlander will be available with two battery capacities and two drivetrain options across two spec levels - XLE and Limited - with the XLE available in either FWD or AWD forms, while the top-spec Limited is AWD only." On local availability Toyota Australia says no. Toyota NZ yet to respond. Moving away from the bz badge and into the standard naming is a good sign.

From that second link:

"A notable technical addition to this generation is vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, allowing the Highlander to function as a mobile power source. This system can power external electrical devices or act as a backup power supply for a home during an outage, provided the user has the necessary bi-directional accessories."

The conflation of V2L with V2G/H is inaccurate at best. V2L capability can be used to "act as a backup power supply for a home during an outage" would suggest requiring a back-up input facility similar to that used for a back-up generator. That's a big difference to having an EV connected by way of a bidirectional EVSE, or via DC side EVSE similar to the Sigenergy devices functionality, and probably a big step down in terms of the available usable current.

I guess so long as the Highlander has a CCS DC charging input socket it is theoretically capable of V2H functionality but the definitions of 'home back-up' are really starting to blur.

https://www.harmlesssolutions.co.nz/

gzt

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#3461474 14-Feb-2026 12:53

Toyota ran a USA bidirectional pilot with the JDM bZ4x:

https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyotas-vehicle-to-grid-program-with-oncor-energy-demonstrates-benefits-of-bidirectional-bev-charging/

For the Highlander - I see no obvious conformation from Toyota at this time although many outlets are repeating the claim.

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#3461479 14-Feb-2026 14:17

gzt: Toyota ran a USA bidirectional pilot with the JDM bZ4x:

https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyotas-vehicle-to-grid-program-with-oncor-energy-demonstrates-benefits-of-bidirectional-bev-charging/

For the Highlander - I see no obvious conformation from Toyota at this time although many outlets are repeating the claim.

Another issue that arises if a V2L system is used in a V2G capacity is that the EV then becomes a grid connected supply device and it therefore would require electrical compliance in this regard. With a bidirectional EVSE the device itself sits between the EV and the grid so the EVSE carries the responsibility of grid compliance.

The US example quoted being controlled by Fermata may comply for US electrical standards but for other countries a whole other set of regulations would likely apply.

Overall we regularly see media reports confusing kW with kWh so based on that what faith can we have in terms of them accurately reporting V2L vs V2G?

https://www.harmlesssolutions.co.nz/

gzt

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#3461504 14-Feb-2026 19:09

You'd expect specialists like InsideEVs to get it right but without confirmation from. Toyota who knows if will be available:

https://insideevs.com/news/787176/toyota-highlander-ev-bidirectional-charging-2026/

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#3463192 19-Feb-2026 22:05

BYD says all new vehicles from 2027 will support V2G - including hybrids!

https://www.drivencarguide.co.nz/news/byd-evs-that-charge-from-flat-to-full-in-5min-in-nz-by-the-end-of-the-year/

HarmLessSolutions

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#3463194 19-Feb-2026 22:10

gzt: BYD says all new vehicles from 2027 will support V2G - including hybrids!

https://www.drivencarguide.co.nz/news/byd-evs-that-charge-from-flat-to-full-in-5min-in-nz-by-the-end-of-the-year/

Great. That will put pressure on all other EV makers to follow suit.

https://www.harmlesssolutions.co.nz/

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#3463350 20-Feb-2026 15:14

I took my TM3 in for a warrant and end of warranty check and they offered me a test drive in a Y Juniper, which I accepted. But I also noted in the showroom that the TM3 (Highland) has an indicator stalk again (as of the latest shipment). So sometimes Tesla does listen to its customers. Since the steering wheel is essentially the same in the 3 and the Y, it is probably cheaper to manufacture just one type.

I got to try the FSD during the test drive and was quite impressed. Not sure if I’m $11400 impressed (or the per month subscription for same). The salesman said there is an announcement soon, which I think might be around the subscription model. I hope it doesn’t affect Autopilot here like it has in the USA.

Otherwise, I called into the local BYD dealer to see what the Atto 1 is like and in talking to the salesperson, was surprised to learn that the Seal was being discontinued to be replaced by “a Seal Stationwagon” (salesperson’s words). I suspect this is the Seal 6 Estate, which is a PHEV. BYD is also set to announce other vehicles coming to market including Denza and Yangwang.

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#3463354 20-Feb-2026 15:26

Not strictly EVs, but a really good watch (the first 'chapter' anyway - the second one is also a worthy rant ;)

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