Honda has unveiled its ambitious plan to revolutionize electric vehicle technology with solid-state batteries, set to begin test production in a new factory in Japan by January 2025.
The company aims to eliminate internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040, reporting successful preliminary tests of the new battery technology.
Solid-state batteries are expected to be produced at 25% lower costs than lithium-ion technology, potentially extending electric vehicle range to 1,000 kilometers (approximately 600 miles). These batteries promise significant improvements in safety and performance.
Honda acknowledges challenges in manufacturing due to the small size of battery cells and is focused on gaining experience to overcome these issues.
Extensive R&D efforts are also underway in the U.S. and Europe. Experts suggest that solid-state batteries could be a 'game changer' in the electric vehicle sector, offering longer range, lower costs, and enhanced safety, positioning Honda as a leader in the industry.
In addition to automotive models, Honda plans to produce solid-state motorcycle batteries in its factory, potentially transforming the brand's offerings, especially for high-performance models and urban scooters.