Honda begins solid-state battery production in January with Sakura pilot line

Honda will begin producing solid-state batteries from next January, using a new pilot production line in Sakura, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. The aim is to test and assess multiple technologies, as well as to analyse manufacturing costs, ahead of any future move to mass production.

Plans for Honda solid-state batteries

Alongside this pilot line, the Japanese manufacturer is also exploring the possibility of fitting solid-state batteries across its entire range of electrified models in the second half of this decade. Honda’s intention is to build scale quickly and use economies of scale to bring down the cost of this battery technology.

Compared with lithium-ion batteries, the brand is targeting solid-state packs that are 25% cheaper and capable of ranges of up to 1,000 km.

The new Sakura facilities cover 27,400 m² and represent a total investment of approximately €269 million.

The numbers and production

Taking cues from the way lithium-ion batteries are made, solid-state battery production relies on a technique known as roll-pressing.

The key distinction between the two types of battery lies in the electrolyte: lithium-ion batteries use liquid electrolytes, whereas solid-state batteries use solid materials. Using roll-pressing, Honda can increase the density of the solid electrolyte layers, which in turn improves performance and energy storage capacity.

“Batteries will be the key factor in electrification. We believe that advancing this technology will be a driving force in the transformation of Honda.”

Keiji Otsu, President of Honda R&D Co.

Looking to the solid-state batteries it expects to deliver later this decade, Honda forecasts that-relative to lithium-ion-they will be half the size, 35% lighter and 25% cheaper, while enabling ranges of up to 1,000 km.

However, the company is setting more demanding targets for 2040. By then, Honda expects solid-state batteries to be 60% smaller, 45% lighter and 40% cheaper. On this basis, from 2040 it anticipates solid-state battery range could reach 1,250 km.

In addition, Honda is also working on ways to cut indirect battery production costs, including reducing energy consumption.

The challenges

Even so, meeting these targets will not be straightforward. Beyond the need for extremely rigorous and consistent standards for large-scale battery manufacturing, Honda executives say the biggest issue they face is cell size: in practice, the cells need to be 100 times larger and more durable.

“For use in cars, the cell size will need to be larger. But it is very difficult to produce those batteries while we try to meet the standards of modern automobiles.”

Yoshiaki Matsuzono, Chief Engineer Executive at Honda R&D

Earlier this year, Honda unveiled two prototypes under the 0 Series nameplate, previewing the carmaker’s next generation of electric vehicles. The first is due to arrive in 2026.

There is still no confirmation on whether it will use these new solid-state batteries, but the brand is promising 10–15 minute charging times to go from 15% to 80% state of charge; and it is targeting battery degradation of less than 10% after 10 years of use.

Source: Automotive News Europe