When we think of installing our all-solid-state batteries to our vehicles, we can determine the optimal size of the battery to be placed in the space under the floor. Moreover, in order to meet requirements which determine the value of the vehicle, such as range, cabin space and dynamic performance, we set preconditions and/or targets in terms of the battery structure, materials and production methods. By factoring the production process into the research from the initial stage, it becomes easier to select materials and shorten the development period.

Honda has been taking the initiative in developing our own all-solid-state batteries and establishing technologies necessary for the mass-production of all-solid-state batteries that can be installed to our vehicles. Based on our initial achievements, we will move on to the research process to further advance battery performance, which will be accelerated with the aim to apply our all-solid-state batteries to models introduced to market in the second half of the 2020s.

Stamping is necessary to increase the degree of interfacial contact between the electrolyte and the electrodes. However, applying too much pressure may damage the microstructure of the materials and lower the battery performance and/or damage other elements of the battery. Especially because there are still many unknowns in the field of all-solid-state battery technologies, and there is no established benchmark for the correlation between the density of electrolyte and battery performance, development which focuses on both the realistic needs of mass-production and battery performance is extremely valuable. Recognizing the high potential of a roll press, which will lead to high production line speed, Honda has been amassing know-how in roll press techniques with an aim to establish production technology of all-solid-state batteries.

In general development, we build technological elements from the ground up, and after completing development to confirm product functionality and performance, we move on to development for mass production. On the other hand, for the development of all-solid-state batteries, from the very beginning, we have been working on the assumption that we will mass-produce these batteries as we have been conscious of addressing social issues as quickly as possible with our new batteries.

That is why we first determine the battery shape suitable for vehicle installation and then pursue optimal materials and mass-production methods to achieve both excellent performance and cost.

In reality, it is often difficult to know whether our development will produce good results unless we actually build it once, and many issues only become evident after we actually build it. This approach is what we call the “Genba, Genbutsu,” which means to “develop at the real spot with understanding of the real situation.” By repeating trial and error, we set the exact targets we need to achieve to realize the value we want to offer to our customers. Then, we apply our technologies and attain our targets without compromise. We believe that this approach to the development reflects the unique characteristics of Honda. Moreover, because the battery is a crucial component of battery electric vehicles (EV), it is important for Honda to develop it while incorporating our own thoughts and desires as a company that actually makes EVs.

Honda is striving to realize carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities Honda is involved in by 2050. Just like our long history of research into fuel cells as an automaker, Honda has a proven track record of Monozukuri (manufacturing) through which we not only develop technologies, but also commercialize them as our own products. By levering such strengths of Honda, we will strive to achieve mass-production of our all-solid-state batteries as quickly as possible. As the first step, our demonstration line for the production of all-solid-state batteries will become operational in Spring 2024, where we will work toward the establishment of mass-production technologies. Then, leveraging such initial technologies as a foothold, we will continue to advance our all-solid-state batteries.