Honda has established a pilot line in Japan that replicates the processes required for the mass production of solid-state batteries
Honda Solid-State Batteries, On the Market by 2025
The wave of investments in solid-state batteries from the automotive sector continues unabated. Following announcements from Volkswagen, Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and BMW, another major player in the industry is ready to roll up its sleeves. Recently, Honda unveiled a demonstration production line for its new solid-state batteries, marking a completely independent development that will take place at Honda R&D Co’s facility in the city of Sakura, Japan.
Solid-State Energy Storage
For the electric vehicle sector, this technology represents more than just a futuristic promise. With high energy density, enhanced safety, and greater efficiency, solid-state batteries have become a leading product. The automotive industry is investing significant amounts in research and development (R&D) to improve the performance and scalability of these rechargeable batteries, aiming to revolutionize the e-mobility world.
Industry forecasts seem to fully support this vision. The global market size for solid-state batteries for electric vehicles was valued at $165.88 million in 2023, and analysts predict it will grow at a rate of 44% until the end of the decade.
However, as a technological novelty – the first solid-state battery was created only in 1983 – mass production is still a long way off. This is a challenge that Honda is eagerly taking on, focusing its research and development efforts in two main areas: material specifications and production methods. The goal is to start large-scale manufacturing in the second half of the 2020s. However, Honda’s experimental production line for solid-state batteries is expected to be operational in the early months of 2025.
Honda’s Demonstration Production Line
The demonstration line replicates the processes required for mass production across a total area of about 27,400 m2 and is equipped with facilities and equipment that allow verification of each stage; including weighing and mixing of electrode materials, coating and roller pressing for the assembly of cathodes and anodes, and cell and module formation.
“Based on the conventional production process for liquid lithium-ion batteries, Honda’s solid-state battery production process uses a roller pressing technique that will help increase the density of the solid electrolyte layers, a unique process […] that enables continuous pressing,” the company explains in a press release.
“With the adoption of the roller pressing technique, the degree of interfacial contact between the electrolyte and electrodes will increase, as will overall productivity. Additionally, by consolidating and accelerating a series of assembly processes, including bonding the positive and negative electrodes, the production time per cell will be significantly reduced. Moreover, Honda is also working to reduce indirect costs in battery production, such as energy consumption, by implementing various measures, including the establishment of a production control technology that minimizes the low dew point environment necessary to ensure both workplace safety and battery performance.”
