Honda Unveils Demonstration Line for All-Solid-State Battery Production
Two years after Nissan’s prototype solid-state battery production line was shown, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has revealed one of its own. Located at Honda R&D Co., Ltd. (Sakura) in Tochigi Prefecture, the facility is poised to play a critical role in Honda’s electrification strategy, targeting application in electrified models from the latter half of the 2020s.
Key Features of the Demonstration Line
The production line, occupying a total floor area of approximately 27,400 square meters (295,000 square feet), is equipped with advanced facilities to replicate full-scale manufacturing processes.
These include:
• Material Preparation: Weighing and mixing of electrode materials.
• Electrode Assembly: Coating, roll pressing, and formation of battery cells.
• Module Assembly: Integration of cells into battery modules.
Construction of the facility building was completed in spring 2024, with most of the required equipment already installed. Honda plans to initiate production at the site in January 2025, focusing on technical verification and cost analysis of its mass production processes.
Pioneering Production Techniques
Honda’s all-solid-state battery process leverages a unique roll-pressing technique, adapted from conventional lithium-ion battery production, to enhance the density of solid electrolyte layers.
This innovation aims to:
1. Improve Electrolyte-Electrode Contact: Boosting energy efficiency and battery performance.
2. Streamline Production: Reducing assembly time through continuous pressing and integrated processes.
3. Cut Indirect Costs: Lowering power consumption and optimizing production control in low dew point environments.
These advancements are expected to significantly enhance cost competitiveness while maintaining the high energy density and heat resistance characteristics of all-solid-state batteries.
Expanding Mobility Applications
Honda envisions deploying its all-solid-state batteries across a broad range of mobility products, including automobiles, motorcycles, and even aircraft. By achieving economies of scale through a highly efficient production process, Honda aims to lower battery costs, making EVs and other electric mobility solutions more accessible to a wider audience.
Supporting Honda’s Long-Term Vision
This development aligns with Honda’s broader sustainability goals, including carbon neutrality across all products and corporate activities by 2050. The company is targeting 100% of its new vehicle sales to be battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles by 2040. All-solid-state batteries, with their potential to address challenges like range, cost, and charging speed, are seen as a cornerstone of this transition.
Facility Overview
• Location: Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
• Lot Size: Approximately 12,900 m² (139,000 ft²).
• Total Floor Area: Approximately 27,400 m² (295,000 ft²).
• Investment Amount: Approximately 43 billion yen.
The Road Ahead
Building on its legacy of technological innovation in areas like solar and hydrogen fuel cells, Honda is accelerating its research into material specifications and production methodologies for all-solid-state batteries. With the demonstration line now operational, Honda is well-positioned to bring this transformative technology to market, potentially reshaping the future of electric mobility.
This announcement underscores Honda’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, reinforcing its leadership in the electrification of mobility.
