Willing a footnote in automotive history, Nissan’s Yokohama plant is set to hold two significant distinctions: as the company’s oldest manufacturing facility and the first mass-production plant in Japan. As Nissan commits to manufacturing solid-state EV batteries at its plant, this decision serves as a powerful symbol of the industry’s decisive pivot towards electric vehicles.
Nissan is poised to establish a new facility in Yokohama dedicated to producing cutting-edge solid-state electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The move marks a significant step forward for the automaker, as it seeks to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving EV landscape.
Nissan takes a new direction after its Yokohama plant produces its 40 millionth engine last month.
Since introducing the all-electric Nissan LEAF in 2010, the company has successfully expanded its capabilities to produce electric motors, also utilizing this technology in its e-POWER hybrid vehicles. In fiscal 2022, approximately 40% of the plant’s manufacturing output was comprised of motors.
Despite this, its most significant metamorphosis takes place mere steps away, across the threshold of a new era. Nissan’s plant will begin piloting production of cutting-edge solid-state EV batteries.
Solid-state batteries are hailed as the “holy grail” of electric vehicle battery technology, touted for their potential to deliver significantly higher power density while maintaining safe operating ranges. Despite numerous promises from auto manufacturers and tech companies about introducing solid-state batteries over the past few years, not one has yet brought such technology to market.
According to Yokohama Plant Supervisor Tamiyo Wada, the share of electrical motors is anticipated to continue its upward trajectory. He added:
We are confronted with various obstacles that require our attention and prompt resolution. As we transition to new competencies, we must focus on developing them simultaneously?
One of many plants’ primary objectives is Nissan’s pioneering solid-state electric vehicle (EV) battery pilot project. Nissan anticipates shipping a revolutionary new battery in 2028, boasting double the power output of current lithium-ion batteries. According to the company, its battery pack will enable a cost reduction of threefold, with an estimated price tag of $75 per kilowatt-hour; however, Nissan is optimistic that they can further bring this figure down to $65.
Following Toyota’s announcement that it has discovered a groundbreaking technological advancement in electric vehicle (EV) battery development, the Japanese automaker is hastening the production timeline for these innovative power sources.
The new plan aims to develop all-solid-state electric vehicle batteries, which are expected to enhance cruising range by 20%, targeting a swift charging time of under 10 minutes. Toyota is reportedly working on a new model designed to achieve a significant increase in cruising range, with the aim of boosting it by approximately 50 percent – potentially exceeding the 900-mile mark.
Electrek’s Take
As Japanese automakers initially struggled to adapt to shifting market demands, they are now rapidly repositioning themselves to lead the charge in developing cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) battery technology.
As Japan’s hesitance to transition entirely to electric vehicles persists, the automotive industry is already bearing the brunt of this delay. Mitsubishi has announced that it is temporarily halting its electric vehicle (EV) business in China due to unsustainable market conditions, becoming the latest major automaker to struggle in the world’s largest EV market. Mazda’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, reiterated the company’s stance.
To boost domestic production, the Japanese government is providing a significant injection of support, committing ¥330 billion (approximately $2.3 billion) to subsidies for battery development and manufacturing. Toyota is poised to secure nearly 1 billion yen (approximately $847 million) in funding to support its ambitious initiatives.
