On November 21, Honda aims to double the range of current lithium-ion batteries by the end of the 2020s with its next-generation all-state battery for electric vehicles (EVs). The picture is the company logo. Photo taken in March in Manhattan, New York, US (2024 Reuters / David Dee Delgado)
On the 20th, the company unveiled for the first time an all-state battery demonstration line built at the research institute’s premises in Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture, at a cost of 43 billion yen.
The types of vehicles that will be equipped with the battery have not yet been confirmed, but President Otsu said “we are continuing to confirm the layout” until the vehicle models under development equipped with solid state batteries. It is expected to be installed in the second half of the 2020s, and the goal is to reduce the size, weight, and cost by 50%, weight, and cost by 50%, respectively, if the range is the same. of vehicles equipped with lithium-ion batteries, the technology would have been more advanced, increasing the range more than 2.5 times, reducing the size by 60%. by 45%, and cost by 40%.
All-solid state batteries use a solid electrolyte between the positive and negative electrodes, and are safer than liquid lithium-ion batteries, with less risk of leakage and fire. It has a high energy density and allows batteries to be made smaller and larger in capacity, increasing the travel range and shortening the charging time, which has been an obstacle to the widespread use of EVs. Reducing the amount of battery installed will increase the degree of freedom in the interior layout of the vehicle.
On the other hand, since the solid electrolyte is based on sulfide, if moisture is mixed with it, highly toxic hydrogen sulfide will be formed and performance will decrease. For this reason, high humidity control that requires electricity is essential in the mass production process, but the company has designed ways to reduce the necessary level and reduce electricity costs.
The demonstration line will be put into operation in January next year, and the basic specifications of the battery cells will be determined while the technology is validated in preparation for setting up a mass production process. President Otsu indicated that the planned start of operations is “an important milestone for Japan and Honda.” To reduce battery costs, “We need economies of scale. Honda also has motorcycles,” he said, adding that he wants to increase economies of scale as the technology is perfected.
Maki Shiraki Editor: Shiho Tanaka
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2024-11-21 10:03:00
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**How might the widespread adoption of solid-state batteries impact the geopolitical landscape surrounding critical minerals required for battery production?**
## Open-Ended Discussion Questions Based on the Honda Solid-State Battery Article:
**I. Technological Advancement & Competition:**
* **How does Honda’s approach to solid-state battery development compare to other car manufacturers like Toyota and Nissan? What are the strengths and potential weaknesses of each strategy?**
* **What are the biggest hurdles to widespread adoption of solid-state batteries, and how is Honda addressing them?**
* **The article mentions the potential for “economies of scale” with solid-state batteries. How might partnerships with other companies, like Nissan, play a role in achieving this? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of such collaborations?**
**II. Impact on EV Market & Consumers:**
* **How might Honda’s solid-state battery technology affect the performance and affordability of electric vehicles? Could it accelerate the shift away from gasoline-powered cars?**
* **The article highlights increased cruising range as a key benefit. How might this change driving habits and the need for charging infrastructure? How will this affect long-distance travel for EV users?**
* **Beyond range, how might solid-state batteries impact the design and functionality of electric vehicles? Could they lead to smaller, lighter, or more versatile EVs?**
**III. Economic and Environmental Implications:**
* **Solid-state batteries are considered safer and more environmentally friendly than lithium-ion batteries. How significant is this advantage, and could it put pressure on other battery manufacturers to improve their products?**
* **What are the potential economic implications of widespread solid-state battery adoption? How could it affect the automotive industry, the energy sector, and the global economy?**
* **What role might government incentives and regulations play in accelerating the development and uptake of solid-state battery technology?**
**IV. Future Outlook & Beyond:**
* **What are the next steps for Honda in its solid-state battery development roadmap? What timelines are realistic for bringing this technology to market?**
* **How might solid-state battery technology evolve in the future? What other applications could it have beyond electric vehicles?**
* **What are the ethical considerations surrounding the use and disposal of solid-state batteries? How can we ensure responsible development and deployment of this technology?**
These open-ended questions are designed to stimulate discussion and explore various perspectives surrounding Honda’s solid-state battery development and its implications for the future of electric vehicles and beyond.
