Honda targets 50% weight reduction in solid-state battery packs for mainstream electric vehicles

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【Summary】Honda aims to reduce the weight of solid-state battery packs by 50% in mass market electric vehicles (EVs). The company plans to double the range of vehicles on its existing EV platform or use smaller battery packs in new models. Honda is progressing with pilot solid-state battery production and sees better access to charging as the solution to range anxiety, rather than larger battery capacity.

FutureCar Staff Aug 25, 2023 4:39 PM PT

Honda targets 50% weight reduction in solid-state battery packs for mainstream electric vehicles

Honda is making progress in its pilot solid-state battery production and has revealed its plans to utilize the advantages of these batteries. One possibility is to double the range of vehicles built on its existing EV platform. Another option is to use smaller packs in new mass market EVs.

Last year, Honda announced its intention to build a demonstration line for the production of all-solid-state batteries. With an investment of approximately 43 billion yen, the company aims to start demonstration production in Spring 2024 as part of its electrification strategy.

In a recent interview, Honda executives confirmed their plans for EVs powered by solid-state electrolyte cells. Unlike some US automakers, Honda believes that a smaller and lighter approach is more optimal for EVs, rather than following the "bigger is better" approach used for ICE vehicles.

Honda believes that the answer to range anxiety is not necessarily more battery, but better access to charging. They argue that with more accessible charging points, there may not be a need for electric vehicles with a range of 600 miles. Additionally, Honda has already announced that it is in the proof-of-concept stage with solid-state batteries, which have the potential to reduce weight and increase vehicle range.

According to Honda's internal testing, solid-state battery technology can increase energy density, resulting in a 50% reduction in battery pack weight. This means that the same amount of energy can be stored in a smaller and lighter battery. Honda's EV strategy head, Shinji Aoyama, explains that once all solid-state batteries are introduced, they may be able to double the energy volume in the same car.

In anticipation of the future market for smaller and cheaper mass market electric vehicles, Honda plans to apply a smaller battery case for new products. The design flexibility offered by solid-state batteries allows for more compact battery designs.

As the market shifts towards mass market electric vehicles, Honda is preparing for this era by embracing solid-state battery technology and exploring ways to maximize its benefits.