Auto manufacturer Honda has unveiled a demonstration production line for solid-state batteries.
It said on 21 November it is working towards mass production and will determine the basic specifications of the battery cells. It plans to begin applying its all-solid-state batteries to electrified vehicles introduced to market in the second half of the 2020s.
Honda is planning to begin battery production on this demonstration line, based in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, in January 2025 and will conduct verification of mass production technologies and costs for each process, while also developing battery cell specifications.
Based on the conventional production process for liquid lithium-ion batteries, the solid-state battery production process adopts a roll-pressing technique which will contribute to an increase in the density of the solid electrolyte layers, it said.
The process is unique to the production of solid-state batteries, and makes continuous pressing possible, Honda said. The demonstration line has a total floor area of approximately 27,400 sq m (295,000 sq ft), and is equipped with facilities and equipment for verifying each production process.
This includes weighing and mixing electrode materials, coating and roll pressing electrode assembly and formation of cells, and assembly of the module.
Construction was completed in the spring and almost all key equipment is installed. Honda will implement production control technology that minimises the low dew point environment necessary to ensure work safety and battery performance.
The solid-state batteries are intended to apply to cars, motorcycles and aircraft.
Photo: Roll-pressing process. Honda
