TOKYO—Honda Motor Co. has unveiled a demonstration production line for all-solid-state batteries at its R&D center in Sakura City. The goal of the facility is to determine the basic specifications of next-generation battery cells that will be used in a new line of electric vehicles later this decade. In addition to automobiles, the solid-state batteries may be used in aircraft and motorcycles.

The 295,000-square-foot operation features state-of-the-art equipment that enables the verification of each production process, including weighing and mixing of electrode materials, coating and roll pressing of electrode assembly, formation of cells and assembly of battery modules.

All-solid-state batteries feature high energy density and excellent heat resistance. Honda engineers plan to simplify the cooling structure by taking advantage of high heat resistance and realizing highly efficient production processes.

Its new production process will use a roll-pressing technique that will contribute to an increase in the density of the solid electrolyte layers, a process unique only to the production of all-solid-state batteries. Honda engineers believe this will increase the degree of interfacial contact between the electrolyte and the electrodes, and also increase overall productivity.

By consolidating and speeding up a series of assembly processes, including the bonding of positive and negative electrodes, Honda engineers hope to “significantly reduce the production time per cell.” The company is also working to reduce indirect costs of battery production, including power consumption, by implementing various measures, such as production control technology that minimizes the low dew point environment necessary to ensure work safety and battery performance.

“The all-solid-state battery is an innovative technology that will be a game changer…,” claims Keiji Otsu, President of Honda R&D Co. “Replacing engines that have been supporting the advancements of automobiles to date, batteries will be the key factor of electrification. We believe that advancement of batteries will be a driving force in the transformation of Honda.”