Honda demonstration line for all-solid-state batteries

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has invested approximately 43 billion yen in a demonstration production line for all-solid-state batteries. Recently unveiled at Honda R&D Co., Ltd. (Sakura), in Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, the line is being developed independently by Honda for the purpose of establishing a mass production process.

The production process adopts a roll-pressing technique for electrode assembly and the formation of battery cells. (Photo: Honda Motor Co.)

Honda has set a target to make battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles (EVs) represent 100% of its new vehicle sales globally by 2040. Due to their characteristics of high energy density and enhanced heat resistance, all-solid-state batteries are expected to be the next-generation batteries that will solve issues that hinder the popularization of EVs, such as range, price and charging time, the company stated.

“The all-solid-state battery is an innovative technology that will be a game changer in this EV era,” said Keiji Otsu, president and representative director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. “Replacing engines that have been supporting the advancements of automobiles to date, batteries will be the key factor of electrification.”

The demonstration line is designed to replicate processes required for mass production of all-solid-state batteries. The company plans to conduct verification of mass production technologies and costs for each process, while also developing battery cell specifications. Honda said it will strive to significantly reduce the production time per cell by consolidating and speeding up a series of assembly processes. It is also implementing various measures to reduce indirect costs of battery production, including power consumption.

Honda aims to further reduce battery costs by taking advantage of economies of scale through the adoption of an efficient production process and by expanding application of the batteries to a wide range of Honda mobility products.

The cell assembly process on Honda’s all-solid-state battery demonstration production line. (Photo: Honda Motor Co.)

The line has a total floor area of approximately 27,400 m2 (295,000 sq. ft.) 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 and the formation of cells; and assembly of the module. Battery production on the line is scheduled to begin in January 2025, with the goal to begin applying all-solid-state batteries to electrified models for introduction to market in the second half of the 2020s.

“The start of operation of our demonstration production line for our all-solid-state batteries is in sight, and we can say that we have reached an important milestone for Honda and the country of Japan,” Otsu stated. “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.”

The demonstration line was partially funded by a grant from the Green Innovation Fund of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) of Japan.