Honda has plans to develop solid-state batteries for EVs

Honda has set up a showroom in Japan to demonstrate its plans to mass-produce solid-state batteries at low cost, which could be crucial in opening up long-range, long-lasting electric vehicles in the future.

Solid-state batteries have been difficult for many companies due to the difficulty of scaling up production. The technology replaces the liquid electrolytes found in current lithium-ion batteries with dry driving materials, promising higher energy density and longer life. But it will require a new manufacturing process to be successful.

Honda says they are speeding up research at their new 27,000 square meter facility in Sakura City, Japan, and reducing the time it takes to make a single unit. This area has complete equipment divided between three buildings: the first for the construction of the cathode and the assembly of cells; the second is the formation of the anode; and the third is electrolyte equipment and module assembly.

The system involves using an in-line continuous mixer that Honda says is “three times faster” than conventional cell batch processing. Honda plans to make batteries for this route in January.

Honda is learning its solid state technology for mass production in the second half of the 2020s. The company’s CEO Toshihiro Mibe hinted that solid state batteries will also be the key to unlocking cheaper EVs.