Honda to manufacture solid-state battery to double EVs' range

Honda has announced its intention to manufacture solid-state batteries for electric vehicles(EVs) that can double the range of EVs currently available in the market. The new technology can provide a range of up to 620 miles(1,000 kilometres) on a single charge, according to the company.

If achieved, the new technology can solve the “range anxiety,” a major hurdle in EV adoption.  

Honda announced a demonstration production line in November for its future solid-state batteries, which the Japanese manufacturer intends to incorporate into its EVs on a mass market basis in the second half of the decade.

President and representative director of Honda R&D, Keiji Otsu, said in a statement, "The all-solid-state battery is an innovative technology that will be a game changer in this EV era. Replacing engines that have been supporting the advancements of automobiles to date, batteries will be the key factor of electrification," Live Science reported.

Compared to the liquid lithium-ion batteries featured in modern EVs, these solid-state batteries are anticipated to be 25% less expensive to build, 50% smaller, and 35% lighter. However, Honda's solid-state cells are too small to be utilised in any of the company's current vehicle models, which is the main obstacle to the technology. Beginning in 2025, the new facility aims to address that issue.