Japanese automaker Nissan has confirmed plans to start rolling out EVs with solid-state batteries as it lifted the cloak on a pilot line of the technology at its Yokohama Plant near Tokyo this week.
Nissan unveiled its “Ambition 2030” vision in late 2021 with plans to launch 23 new electrified vehicles including 15 new pure electric vehicles (EVs) as well as plans to launch its own solid-state batteries by 2028, now set for 2029.
Nissan led the world with the release of the Leaf more than a decade ago, but has done little since as Japanese car makers in general slowed down the development of EVs.
The company unveiled a prototype production facility within its Nissan Research Centre in early 2022 and unveiled plans to establish a pilot production line at its Yokohama Plant in 2024.
Nissan hopes that its all-solid-state batteries will boast double the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries and offer a significantly shorter charging time due to superior charge and discharge performance.
These batteries are also expected to cost less due to the use of less expensive materials, although it is still working on development. It is also working on a “giga-press” manufacturing facility that can reduce the cost of manufacture.
“Nissan plans to use all-solid-state batteries in a wide range of vehicle segments, including pickup trucks, making its EVs more competitive,” the company says.
“Nissan is conducting wide ranging research and development, from molecular-level battery material research to electric vehicle development, and even city development using EVs as storage batteries.”
Nissan claimed in early 2022 that the cost of all-solid-state batteries can be reduced to $US75/kWh in 2028, and down to $US65/kWh thereafter – allowing EVs to compete on the same cost level as gasoline-powered vehicles.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.