Honda has been promising to power solid-state EV batteries for several years. Today, we begin to see progress. Honda has launched the production line as it continues to develop promising new battery technology.
By 2050, Honda wants all of its products and corporate operations to be net neutral. Although electric vehicles are important to the project, Honda believes that improvements are needed.
Since the battery is the most important part of EVs, the company aims to unlock more driving range at lower cost with new chemistries.
Honda is developing solid-state EV batteries entirely in-house to power its next-generation vehicles. It's not just “trying to create a lab-grade technology,” Honda is looking at mass production in the coming years.
On Wednesday, Honda unveiled its demonstration line of solid-state EV batteries, giving us our first glimpse of progress.
The line is located at Honda's R&D center in Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Honda will use the demo line as a precursor to mass production while determining the basic specifications of the battery cells.
Honda introduces EVs with durable batteries
Honda plans to introduce electric models with new solid-state battery technology “in the second half of the 2020s.”
The new demo line replicates the processes required for mass production. It covers about 295,000 meters2 (27,400 m2) and is already equipped with tools to verify each manufacturing process, including measuring and mixing electrode materials, bonding, and assembling pressure electrodes. The line also supports cell design and module assembly.
After the completion of the new facility this spring, all the necessary equipment for certification is in place.
Honda plans to start production on the new demo line in January 2025. With a more efficient production process and a variety of use cases, including cars, motorcycles, and airplanes, Honda aims to reduce battery costs.
To accelerate development, Honda conducted “rapid research” in two main areas: material specification and production methods.
The company plans to begin mass production of solid-state EV batteries in the second half of the 2020s.
Ahead of their 2050 carbon neutrality goal, Honda aims for 100% of global vehicle sales to be EV or FCEV by 2040. Honda believes that the new battery technology will be their differentiator.
FTC: We use auto affiliate links to earn income. More.
