Honda Unveils Demonstration Production Line for Solid-State Batteries
Honda revealed its demonstration production line for solid-state batteries, with plans to commercialize the technology later this decade. The facility, located in Sakura City, Japan, covers 295,000 square feet and aims to establish mass production processes, determine costs, and finalize cell specifications.
The construction of the facility was completed in the spring, and Honda plans to start producing cells in January 2025, slightly later than the initially targeted date of spring 2024.
Honda’s production process for solid-state batteries is based on liquid-electrolyte lithium-ion cells but includes a unique roll-pressing step to increase the density of solid electrolyte layers. This enhances the contact between the electrolyte and electrodes.
The automaker aims to start mass production of solid-state batteries in the second half of the 2020s for use in automobiles, motorcycles, and aircraft. By expanding the applications of solid-state batteries, Honda hopes to achieve economies of scale to make them financially viable.
Honda has been discussing solid-state batteries since 2021, with CEO Toshihiro Mibe suggesting that they could enable a small affordable EV by 2030 due to lower costs and higher range compared to current battery technologies.