Honda wants its EVs to offer double the driving range of current models after developing new solid-state batteries that will transform electric cars by the late 2020s.
Car giant Honda announced plans for new battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs) that will effectively double the driving range for EVs. An additional future goal of the company entails deploying all-solid-state batteries by the late 2020s to replace the existing liquid-state lithium-ion batteries. This innovation is expected to boost the efficiency of their electric cars. Honda is also likely to benefit from this innovation.
A Game-Changer
These prospects of all-solid-state batteries could offer the capacity for twice the driving range by the end of this decade and more than 2.5 times by 2040, according to Keiji Otsu, the president, of Honda R & D. Energising lithium-ion batteries is considered a “game-changer” in the market of electric vehicles because the use of modern and innovative battery systems allows eliminating several important issues of today—a small range and psychological barrier of high prices for batteries.
Investment in Innovation
For this venture, Honda is likely to spend about 43 billion yen ($277 million), and the pilot production line would be set up in Tochigi, Japan. About 46 per cent of this investment has been supported by Japanese government subsidies. The pilot line is scheduled to go online in January 2025, and its production specialisation will be on these next-generation batteries.
Efficiency Goals
In its planning, Honda has not only one vision that would allow it to improve upon the automaker’s driving range. Specific objectives are as follows: to halve battery size within the next five years, to shed 35 per cent of its total weight, and to cut the cost in half. This multiple tactical approach is to extend consumer attraction to electrically powered vehicles comprehensively.
Production Plans
Apart from improving battery technology, Honda is also aiming towards an annual production of more than 2 million electric vehicles by the end of 2030. The company aims to have a global sales ratio of EVs and FCEVs to 40% in the mentioned year; the ultimate sales ratio goal of 100% is set by 2040.
Collaboration Opportunities
Meanwhile, Honda’s strategic partner, Nissan Motor, is also working on the same battery type and plans to begin the pilot line in March. Otsu suggested possible cooperation in purchasing materials between the two companies, stressing that cooperation may help improve battery technology.
Industry Context
This move to all-solid-state batteries has been mooted in the current shift among automakers and battery suppliers globally. These batteries are perceived to make longer-lasting, safer, and cheaper electric vehicles at a time when the growth of the segment is slowing. Other key rivals, such as Toyota, are also working on similar technologies to bring their all-solid-state batteries into the market in the 2027-2028 financial year.
Future Vision
That Honda is targeting its carbon-neutral status for 2050 shows the company’s devotion to providing sustainable mobility solutions. All-solid-state batteries’ systematic development is an essential process toward that vision. Through lithium-ion batteries’ enhancing lifespan and decreasing prices, Honda insists it would be the pioneer of electric mobility vehicles.
Therefore, it is seen that Honda’s contribution to all-solid-state battery technology may revolutionise the electric automobile market. Being a company that has made many investments and major tasks, it has the potential to yield enormous improvements in the face of the auto industry.
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