Honda Hopes To Double EV Driving Range With Solid-State Batteries, R&D Chief Says

Driving Range of EVs: Honda Motor aims to double driving range of its electric cars by late 2020s when y start to opt all-solid-state batteries, a new of power source under development, he of its research unit said on Wednesday.

All-solid-state batteries, replacing liquid-state lithium-ion batteries, will produce twice driving range by end of this dece and over 2.5 times more by 2040s, said Keiji Otsu, president of Honda R&D.

Automakers and battery suppliers worldwide have unveiled plans to develop solid-state batteries, touted as a key technology to make longer-lasting, safer and cheaper electric vehicles amid slowing EV growth.

"It's a game-changer of EV era," Otsu told reporters at Honda's pilot all-solid-state battery production line in Tochigi north of Tokyo. Honda is investing 43 billion yen ($277 million) in pilot line, nearly half of which is funded with Japanese government subsidies.

Honda will start operating pilot line in January, with goals also to reduce battery size by 50 per cent, weight by 35 per cent and cost by 25 per cent from current levels in next half dece, Otsu said.

Honda plans to increase its annual EV production to over 2 million units by 2030. It also targets a global sales ratio of 40 per cent for EVs and fuel cell vehicles in 2030, and 100 per cent in 2040.

Nissan Motor, Honda's strategic partner, is also developing all-solid-state batteries, aiming to start operation of its pilot line in March.

"re may be areas where we can work toger," Otsu said, suggesting possibility of joint materials procurement.

Honda has "no reason to refuse" external sale of its solid-state batteries if that is mutually beneficial to it and partners, Otsu ded.

Toyota Motor 7203.T, world's biggest automaker by sales, is looking to commercialise all-solid-state batteries in 2027-2028 in partnership with oil refiner Idemitsu Kosan.