Could Honda’s new battery make them the king of EVs?

Honda has unveiled plans to mass-produce solid-state batteries that could significantly enhance electric vehicle (EV) performance. The demonstration facility located in Sakura City, Japan, showcases Honda’s commitment to developing these advanced batteries, which promise higher energy density and longevity compared to traditional lithium-ion options.

Honda unveils plans for solid-state battery production in Japan

Honda’s 27,000 square meter demonstration facility is designed to scale up production processes crucial for solid-state battery manufacturing. The facility encompasses three buildings, each dedicated to different stages of production: cathode formation and cell assembly, anode formation, and electrolyte activation with module assembly. Honda aims to exploit advancements in production efficiency, particularly with a continuous inline mixer that operates three times faster than traditional batch systems. The company anticipates beginning production within this facility in January 2025.

Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolytes found in conventional lithium-ion batteries with dry conductive materials. This transition holds potential for enhancing energy density while extending battery lifespan. The technology’s complexity has hindered widespread adoption, but Honda’s recent initiatives suggest a breakthrough is on the horizon. The automaker plans to be ready for full-scale production by the late 2020s.

Industry-wide competition in solid-state battery technology

Honda is among several manufacturers pursuing solid-state battery technology. Competitors like Volkswagen-backed QuantumScape and Nissan are also actively developing similar solutions, indicating a growing trend toward these advanced batteries. Factorial’s semi-solid-state batteries, designed for Dodge Chargers, further reflect an industry shifting focus toward improving EV battery technology.

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Honda’s CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, has indicated that solid-state batteries will be key in making EVs more affordable. Furthermore, the company has set ambitious goals to achieve carbon neutrality in all products and operations by 2050, with a target for 100% of global vehicle sales to be either electric or fuel cell by 2040. These initiatives underscore Honda’s commitment to remaining competitive in the fast-evolving EV market.

Honda’s latest demonstration facility features advanced equipment necessary for the production process. Key activities include the weighing and mixing of electrode materials, coating, roll pressing electrode assemblies, and finally cell formation and module assembly. The facility’s design replicates every stage of mass production, allowing Honda to finalize specifications for their all-solid-state batteries.

As the company accelerates its research efforts, it is focusing on two main areas: refining material specifications and optimizing manufacturing methods. Success in these areas is critical for reducing production costs, which could make electric vehicles more accessible to consumers.

Investing in solid-state technology reflects Honda’s broader strategy to enhance its electric vehicle offerings, including the Prologue SUV, which is being produced in collaboration with General Motors. Honda is also set to reveal a new SUV model by 2025 and a production vehicle utilizing the Honda Zero platform at CES, powered by LG batteries.

Featured image credit: Honda