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 EVs, potentially doubling the range of existing vehicles or allowing for smaller packs in new models. The company is on track to start pilot production of solid-state batteries and believes that better access to charging is the solution to range anxiety, rather than larger batteries. The increased energy density of solid-state batteries will enable a significant reduction in pack weight.

FutureCar Staff Aug 23, 2023 9:19 AM 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 this technology. One option is to double the range of vehicles built on its existing EV platform. Another possibility is to incorporate smaller battery packs in new mass market EVs.

Last year, Honda announced its intention to invest approximately 43 billion yen in building a demonstration line for the production of all-solid-state batteries. This investment is part of Honda's US$40 billion portfolio electrification strategy, with the goal of starting demonstration production in Spring 2024.

In a recent interview, Honda executives confirmed their plans for EVs powered by solid-state batteries. Unlike some US automakers who have taken a "bigger is better" approach to EVs, Honda believes that the opposite approach is more optimal.

Honda believes that the answer to range anxiety is not simply more battery capacity, but better access to charging infrastructure. The company argues that with more accessible charging options, there is less need for EVs with extremely long ranges. Additionally, Honda has already entered 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, the energy density increase provided by solid-state battery technology allows for a 50% reduction in the weight of the battery pack. This means that the same amount of energy can be stored in a smaller and lighter package. Honda's EV strategy head, Shinji Aoyama, explains that with solid-state batteries, it may be possible to double the energy volume in the same car.

In addition to improving the range of existing EV platforms, Honda is also considering the benefits of solid-state batteries for future mass market electric vehicles. A smaller and cheaper model, similar to Tesla's upcoming Model 2, is expected to be the future of the electric vehicle market. Honda plans to develop smaller battery cases for these types of products, taking advantage of the design flexibility offered by solid-state batteries.

Overall, Honda is positioning itself for the future of electric vehicles by investing in solid-state battery technology. With the potential to double the range of existing platforms and enable smaller and more affordable EVs, Honda aims to stay competitive in the evolving market.

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