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Honda Launches Demonstration Production Line For All-Solid-State Batteries In Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has introduced a demonstration production line for all-solid-state batteries, developed independently by the company. This facility is located at Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. The aim is to establish a mass production process and determine the basic specifications of these battery cells, with plans to integrate them into electrified models by the latter half of the 2020s.
The demonstration line spans approximately 27,400 m² and includes equipment for verifying each production step. This includes weighing and mixing electrode materials, coating and roll pressing of electrode assemblies, cell formation, and module assembly. Construction was completed in spring this year, with most key equipment now installed. Honda plans to start battery production on this line in January 2025.
Honda's production process for all-solid-state batteries incorporates a roll-pressing technique derived from conventional liquid lithium-ion battery methods. This approach enhances the density of solid electrolyte layers and facilitates continuous pressing. By improving interfacial contact between electrolytes and electrodes, Honda aims to boost productivity significantly.
Efforts are underway to reduce indirect production costs like power consumption through advanced production control technology. This involves maintaining a low dew point environment crucial for safety and performance. By enhancing cost competitiveness through efficient processes, Honda plans to apply these batteries across various mobility products including cars, motorcycles, and aircraft.
Honda's extensive manufacturing experience includes successful mass production of technologies like solar cells and fuel cells. In all-solid-state batteries, research focuses on material specifications and manufacturing methods to commence mass production by the late 2020s. The engineering division participates early in development decisions regarding battery structure and materials suitable for vehicle installation.
Commitment to Carbon Neutrality
Honda aims for carbon neutrality across all products and corporate activities by 2050. The goal is for battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles to account for 100% of new vehicle sales globally by 2040. All-solid-state batteries are seen as next-generation solutions addressing EV challenges such as range, cost, and charging time due to their high energy density and heat resistance.
Keiji Otsu, President of Honda R&D Co., Ltd., stated: "The all-solid-state battery is an innovative technology that will be a game changer in this EV era... We believe that advancement of batteries will be a driving force in the transformation of Honda... We will continue taking on challenges to launch our mobility products equipped with our all-solid-state batteries as quickly as possible so that Honda can offer new value to our customers."
Facility Details
The demonstration line is situated at 122-32 Shimokodo, Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It covers a lot size of about 12,900 m² with an investment amounting to approximately 43 billion yen. Partially funded by Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) Green Innovation Fund grant, this initiative marks a significant milestone for both Honda and Japan.
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