Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan gives first look at prototype production plant for solid-state batteries

Nissan is aiming to produce an electric car with in-house developed solid-state batteries by 2028

Nissan’s solid-state battery ambitions have taken an important step forward. The manufacturer has established a prototype facility for producing solid-state cells within the Nissan Research Center in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

The plant is a crucial step in Nissan’s plan to launch an electric car powered by solid-state batteries by 2028. Between then and now, a pilot production line will be built at the company’s Yokohama plant in the 2024 fiscal year.

Engineers will study the materials, design and manufacturing processes used on this line, with a view to reducing the cost per kWh of solid-state batteries to $75 in 2028, and then $65. This, Nissan says, will place EVs at a similar cost to their combustion equivalents. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Solid-state batteries are seen as a crucial next step in EV technology. The key difference is the switching of the liquid-based electrolyte used in conventional EV batteries to a thin solid electrolyte, often made from ceramic or solid polymers.

Compared to the lithium-ion battery cells normally found in an EV, solid-state cells are lighter, potentially cheaper due to the use of less expensive raw materials, and are faster to charge. Bringing them to market is easier said than done, however, hence Nissan’s late 2020s target. Rival Japanese carmaker Honda meanwhile expects to release a solid-state-powered EV during the second half of this decade.

Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai and Kia have looked outside their own organisations for solid-state research, with all these companies investing in US-based Factorial Energy. Mercedes hopes to have solid-state batteries in “a limited number of vehicles as part of a small series within the next five years,” while Stellantis is aiming to have such a battery pack in a car by 2026. A public target hasn’t been given by Hyundai and Kia. 

Speaking about Nissan’s in-house solid-state plans, executive vice president for R&D Kunio Nakaguro said: 

"Nissan has been a leader in electrification technology through a wide range of R&D activities, from molecular-level battery material research to the development of safe, high-performance EVs. Our initiatives even include city development using EVs as storage batteries. 

“The knowledge gained from our experience supports the development of all-solid-state batteries and we’ve accumulated important elemental technologies. Going forward, our R&D and manufacturing divisions will continue to work together to utilise this prototype production facility and accelerate the practical application of all-solid-state batteries."

Click here for our list of the electric cars with the longest range...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Honda and Nissan merger collapses
Honda ZR-V and Nissan Qashqai - front tracking

Honda and Nissan merger collapses

It was hoped the merger would better equip the two firms on future EVs and software-defined vehicles
News
13 Feb 2025
Tokyo Auto Salon 2025: all the highlights and exciting new cars
Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 header image

Tokyo Auto Salon 2025: all the highlights and exciting new cars

TAS 2025 highlighted the latest in tuning, off-road accessories, and new cars...
News
14 Jan 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the biggest and most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
1 Jan 2025
Nissan calls for urgent action on ZEV mandate
Nissan Ariya - front tracking

Nissan calls for urgent action on ZEV mandate

The threat to UK jobs is laid bare as fears over the impact of ZEV mandate escalate
News
21 Nov 2024

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: High-spec Nissan Qashqai for £191 a month is a steal
Nissan Qashqai - front cornering right

Car Deal of the Day: High-spec Nissan Qashqai for £191 a month is a steal

The Nissan Qashqai is a family favourite, with plenty of style and kerb appeal. It’s our Deal of the Day for 13 February
News
13 Feb 2025
New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped
Volkswagen Transporter e-Shuttle - front

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped

The Ford-based Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is refined, good to drive and has plenty of space in all three rows
Road tests
14 Feb 2025
Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win
Ford Capri and Cupra Tavascan - front tracking

Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win

Ford brought back the iconic Capri name for its new coupé-SUV, which shares its platform with the fresh Cupra Tavascan. Which is the top dog?
Car group tests
15 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts