by Key Takeaways
- In order to test large-scale production of its patented solid-state battery cells, Honda has established a 300,000-square-foot plant.
- Rapid material and manufacturing process prototyping is made possible by the line.
- If Honda’s solid-state technology proves effective, it might give motorcycles, EVs, and even airplanes a higher energy density and longer battery life.
Honda has opened a huge new demonstration production line at its research and development facility in Sakura City, Japan, marking a significant advancement in the commercialization of solid-state battery technology.
According to The Verge, the company’s engineers can prototype and test the entire solid-state battery cell production process at scale in the 300,000 square foot facility.
Assembling the electrodes with the solid electrolyte layer to form the cell, covering the anode and cathode films, carefully weighing and mixing the electrode materials, and finally merging individual cells into whole battery modules are all crucial operations that are replicated by the line.
According to Honda, the capacity to model the complete production process from beginning to end is essential for quickly refining material compositions and streamlining every step of design and assembly.
The ultimate objective is to identify the best strategy that permits the production of Honda’s own solid-state battery cells in large quantities at a cheap cost. These will thereafter power “a wide range of Honda mobility products,” such as motorcycles and airplanes, in addition to electric cars.
Using a “roll-processing technique” to permit the use of greater layers of dense solid electrolyte material between the anode and cathode is a crucial component of Honda’s strategy.
According to Honda, the rolling technique along with production procedures akin to those of current lithium-ion production lines would enable it to reach the volume and cost necessary for the widespread adoption of solid-state batteries.
Of course, solid-state battery technology is being actively pursued by other automakers as well. Competing attempts are being made by Factorial, which is testing similar batteries for cars including the Dodge Charger, Nissan, and Volkswagen-backed QuantumScape.
However, Honda continues to make progress on a number of EV fronts, so it isn’t just depending on solid-state’s potential. Sales of the company’s Prologue SUV, which was constructed on GM’s Ultima EV platform, have been strong in the US market. In 2025, the business plans to release a larger electric SUV as a follow-up.
To better compete with Chinese rivals, the business also established a cooperation with Nissan earlier this year.
