Honda Motor has recently unveiled its production line for the demonstration of solid-state batteries, which the brand itself is developing independently with a view to mass production.
The line was built on the property of Honda R&D Co.,Ltd., located in the city of Sakura, Japan. While technical verification is underway to establish a mass production process on this demonstration line, Honda will determine the basic specifications of the battery cells, with the goal of beginning to apply its solid-state batteries to electrified models. that will be launched on the market from 2025.
Honda built this demonstration line that replicates the processes necessary for mass production. The demonstration line has a total area of approximately 27,400 m² and is equipped with facilities and equipment that enable verification of each production process, including weighing and mixing of electrode materials, coating and roller pressing of electrode assembly and cell forming, and module assembly .
Honda will start assembling solid-state batteries from 2025
Construction of the facility building was completed in the spring of this year, and almost all of the key equipment needed for verification is already installed. Honda’s solid-state battery production process, which is based on the conventional liquid lithium-ion battery production process, adopts a roller pressing technique that will help increase the density of solid electrolyte layers. This is a process unique to solid-state battery production, and makes continuous pressing possible.
By adopting the roller pressing technique, Honda will strive to increase the degree of interfacial contact between the electrolyte and the electrodes and also increase the overall productivity. Additionally, by consolidating and accelerating a number of assembly processes, including the bonding of positive and negative electrodes, Honda will attempt to significantly reduce production time per cell.
In addition, Honda is also working to reduce the indirect costs of battery production, including energy consumption, by implementing several measures, including establishing production control technology that minimizes the low dew point environment required for Ensure work safety and battery performance.
By increasing the cost competitiveness of its solid-state batteries by adopting a highly efficient production process, and expanding the application of the batteries to a wide range of Honda mobility products, not only automobiles but also motorcycles and airplanes, Honda aims to further reduce battery costs by taking advantage of economies of scale.
Through these initiatives, Honda will offer new value, made possible by its innovative solid-state battery technologies, and with the aim of reaching even more customers and expanding the pleasure of mobility.
Honda has extensive manufacturing experience and a proven track record of mass producing new technologies, such as solar cells and fuel cells. Currently, in the area of solid-state batteries, Honda is carrying out rapid research and development in two main areas (material specifications and manufacturing methods) with the aim of starting mass production of the battery in the second half of the 2020s.
Even before the materials and specifications of the battery are determined, the production engineering division has been participating in the development and taking part in decisions about the structure, materials and production methods of the battery, which would be the most suitable for installation in the vehicle. As a result, Honda was able to begin operating this demonstration line quickly and is making efficient progress in material selection.
In its quest to achieve carbon neutrality for all Honda products and corporate activities by 2050, Honda has set a goal for battery and fuel cell electric vehicles to account for 100% of its new vehicle sales globally. global by 2040. Due to their characteristics of high energy density and excellent heat resistance, all-solid batteries are expected to be the next generation batteries that will solve the problems hindering the popularization of electric vehicles, such as autonomy, price and charging time.
In addition to the high energy density and durability achieved by its original material design technology, Honda strives to reduce the cost of batteries by simplifying the cooling structure, taking advantage of high heat resistance and realizing highly efficient production processes, achieving thus a significant advance in the performance of electric vehicles and the creation of new value for its customers.
Keiji OtsuPresident and Representative Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. commented: “The solid-state battery is an innovative technology that will be a game-changer in this era of electric vehicles. Batteries, which will replace the motors that have supported automobile advances to date, will be the key driver of electrification. “We believe battery advancement will be a driving force in Honda’s transformation.”
Concludes: “Now, the start of operation of our demonstration production line for our solid-state batteries is in sight, and we can say that we have reached an important milestone for Honda and the country of Japan. “We will continue to take on challenges to launch our mobility products equipped with our solid-state batteries as quickly as possible so Honda can deliver new value to our customers.”
