Honda’s Pioneering Advancement in Solid-State Battery Technology

The automotive industry is changing fast as manufacturers move from internal combustion engines to electrified powertrains. At the heart of this shift is battery technology, which determines the efficiency, range, and overall performance of electric vehicles (EVs). Honda, a company with a reputation for engineering expertise, is making good progress in developing all-solid-state batteries, a technology that could transform the EV market. With higher energy density, faster charging times, and greater safety these batteries are the next step in battery innovation, so Honda can stay ahead in a changing market.

Honda is committed to battery innovation, especially all-solid-state batteries. The company has invested heavily in research and development and has built a dedicated demo line in Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. This 27,400 sqm facility will verify key production processes including:

• Weighing and mixing of electrode materials

• Coating and roll pressing of electrode assemblies

• Cell formation

• Module assembly

The facility was completed in Spring 2024 and nearly all the equipment is installed. Honda will start producing prototype solid-state batteries in January 2025 and the long term plan is to put this technology into production in electrified models in the latter half of the 2020s. By having a strong foundation in battery manufacturing and mass production Honda is positioning itself as a leader in next generation battery technology.

Traditional lithium-ion batteries which power most EVs today use liquid electrolytes to move lithium ions between the anode and cathode. While effective liquid electrolytes have several challenges:

• Thermal runaway and fire hazards

• Low energy density

• Degradation over charge cycles

All-solid-state batteries replace liquid electrolytes with solid materials which give significant improvements in performance, safety, and lifespan. Honda's solid-state battery technology has:

• Safer: No liquid electrolytes means no risk of leaks and thermal runaway, means EVs are safer.

• Longer lifespan: Less degradation over time, means no need for replacement and more sustainable.

• Faster charging: Solid-state batteries allow for higher charging speeds, which means EVs are more practical for daily use.

Honda's innovative approach to battery design includes roll-pressing technique which densifies solid electrolyte layers and improves interfacial contact between electrolyte and electrodes. This optimizes energy efficiency and streamlines production, reduces cost and makes solid-state batteries more commercialized.

Honda's solid-state battery development fits with their overall electrification strategy. The company has big targets for EV production and sales, to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. By using solid-state battery technology Honda can address some of the challenges that hinder the widespread adoption of EVs.

According to Keiji Otsu, President of Honda's R&D division, the implementation of solid-state batteries will give Honda's future EVs longer driving range. The demo line is designed to:

• Reduce battery size by 50%

• Cut battery weight by 35%

• Lower production cost by 25%

By achieving these targets Honda plans to scale up EV production to 2 million units by 2030. This aligns with their global EV sales targets which include:

• 40% sales ratio for EVs and fuel cell vehicles by 2030

• 80% sales ratio by 2035

• 100% sales ratio by 2040

These bold targets show Honda's commitment to EV innovation and to stay competitive in an increasingly electrified market.

Solid-state battery development is not unique to Honda. Toyota and Nissan are also working on this technology. Toyota has partnered with Idemitsu Kosan to accelerate commercialization of solid-state batteries by 2027-2028. However, Honda's battery manufacturing strategy and focus on process optimization gives them an edge.

By focusing on scalability, cost and performance, Honda aims to bring solid-state battery EVs to market at commercial price point. Unlike some competitors that rely on third-party battery suppliers, Honda's in-house R&D means they have more control on quality, innovation and cost management.

Moreover, Honda's investment in solid-state battery research aligns with their sustainability goals:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the supply chain

• Expand hybrid and EV lineup

• Develop next-generation charging infrastructure

These initiatives show Honda's vision for a future where electric mobility is practical and sustainable.

Honda's solid-state battery development will shape the future of its EV lineup. While they have not yet disclosed specific models that will have this technology, their electrification plan means upcoming EVs will get longer range, safer and more efficient.

Current Honda EVs, such as Honda Prologue, use lithium-ion battery. As solid-state batteries become more advanced and cost-effective, Honda will start to use them in future EVs, potentially influence the entire industry's battery technology.

By investing in cutting-edge battery research, Honda is advancing the capabilities of their own EVs and setting new standards for performance and efficiency in the industry. With focus on innovation, sustainability and scalability, Honda's solid-state battery development is a big step towards electric mobility future.