本田在东京北部建设了一条全固态电池试点生产线。该公司将在这条试点生产线上投资430亿日元(约合2.77亿美元)，其中近一半由日本政府补贴。Keiji Otsu表示，本田将于明年1月开始运营这条试点生产线，其目标是在未来五年将电池尺寸缩小50%、重量减少50%、成本降低25%。The head of the research and development department of Honda Motor stated on Wednesday that the company's goal is to double the driving range of its electric vehicles when it begins using all solid-state batteries in the late 2020s.
According to the Zhitong Finance APP, the head of the research and development department of Honda Motor (HMC.US) stated on Wednesday that the company's goal is to double the driving range of its electric vehicles when it starts using all solid-state batteries in the late 2020s. Honda's Chief of Research and Development, Keiji Otsu, stated that by the end of this decade, replacing liquid lithium-ion batteries with solid-state batteries will double the driving range of electric vehicles, and by the 2040s, it will increase by more than 2.5 times. Keiji Otsu stated: 'This will change the game rules of the era of electric vehicles.'
Auto manufacturers and battery suppliers worldwide have announced plans to develop solid-state batteries. With the growth of the electric vehicle market slowing down, solid-state batteries are considered the key technology to manufacture more durable, safer, and more affordable electric vehicles.
Honda has built a pilot production line for all solid-state batteries in northern Tokyo. The company will invest 43 billion yen (approximately 0.277 billion US dollars) in this pilot production line, with nearly half subsidized by the Japanese government. Keiji Otsu stated that Honda will start operation of this pilot production line in January next year, aiming to reduce battery size by 50%, weight by 50%, and cost by 25% in the next five years.
Honda plans to increase its annual production of electric vehicles to over 2 million units by 2030. The company's goal is for electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles to account for 40% of its global total sales by 2030; by 2040, this ratio is expected to reach 100%.
It is worth mentioning that Honda's strategic partner Nissan Motor is also developing all solid-state batteries, aiming to start its pilot production line in March next year. Keiji Otsu stated: 'Perhaps we can cooperate in some areas.' This implies the possibility of joint material procurement. Keiji Otsu added that Honda has 'no reason to refuse' the external sales of solid-state batteries if it is beneficial to both the company and its partners.
Meanwhile, Toyota Motor (TM.US) has chosen to collaborate with the Japanese petroleum producer Idemitsu Kosan to develop and produce solid-state batteries for future battery electric vehicles. The two companies hope to commercialize solid-state batteries in 2027-2028 before starting mass production.
It is reported that Idemitsu Kosan has been researching and developing the basic technology of solid state batteries since 2001, while Toyota has been doing the same since 2006. Both companies are currently focusing on sulfide solid electrolytes, which are considered a good choice for achieving the high capacity and output required for pure electric autos.
