The tests involve the power system at Mazda's headquarters campus – the only power generation system operated by an automaker in Japan – and Toyota's system, which utilises batteries from electrified vehicles, being connected through their respective energy .
The energy storage systems campus will leverage and stimulate over $200 million in private capital, to accomplish three complementary objectives: optimizing current lithium ion-based battery performance, accelerating development and production of next generation batteries .
In 2025, the typical cost of commercial lithium battery energy storage systems, including the battery, battery management system (BMS), inverter (PCS), and installation, ranges from $280 to $580 per kWh. Larger systems (100 kWh or more) can cost between $180 to $300 per kWh.
This perspective article provides a detailed exploration of the latest developments and future directions in energy storage, particularly focusing on the promising alternatives to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
PVTIME – This chart shows the top 10 global energy storage companies ranked by market capitalisation as of 13 April 2026. It reflects the sector's rapid growth amid the global shift towards net-zero energy systems.