Honda has unveiled its demonstration production line for solid-state batteries at Sakura City in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. The Japanese brand will conduct technical verification to establish a mass-production process on this demonstration line.
The company will also determine the basic specifications of the battery cells, aiming to begin applying these batteries to EVs that will be introduced in the second half of the 2020s.
The demonstration line replicates the processes required for mass production. It has a total floor area of approximately 27,400m2 and is equipped with facilities and equipment that enable verification of each production process, including weighing and mixing of electrode materials, coating and roll pressing of electrode assembly, the formation of cells and assembly of the module.
Construction of the facility was completed in spring 2024, and almost all the key equipment for the verification is now installed. Honda is planning to begin battery production in January 2025.
The solid-state battery production process uses a roll-pressing technique that will increase the density of the solid electrolyte layers. This will allow Honda to increase the degree of interfacial contact between the electrolyte and the electrodes and improve overall productivity.
Furthermore, by consolidating a series of assembly processes, the brand aims to significantly reduce the production time per cell. It is also working to reduce the indirect costs of battery production, including power consumption, by implementing various measures such as the establishment of production control technology that minimizes the low dew point environment necessary to ensure work safety and battery performance.
The upcoming batteries are designed for a wide range of Honda mobility products, including automobiles, motorcycles and aircraft. The company’s production engineering division is already participating in development and decision-making regarding the battery structure, materials and production methods that would be most suitable for vehicle installation.
Solid-state batteries are expected to be the next-generation batteries that will solve issues such as range, price and charging time. In addition to the high energy density and durability, Honda is striving to lower the cost of the batteries by simplifying the cooling structure by taking advantage of high heat resistance and highly efficient production processes.