Nissan is making significant advancements in solid-state battery technology, which could revolutionize the electric car industry. The company is currently developing a new pilot line for solid-state batteries at its facility in Yokohama, Japan, with the goal of launching series-production electric vehicles (EVs) using this technology by 2028. Solid-state batteries have the potential to offer longer ranges and faster charging times compared to traditional lithium-ion packs.
When asked about the types of vehicles that will benefit from solid-state batteries, Ivan Espinosa, Nissan’s global vice-president of product planning, mentioned sports cars as a potential application. The increased energy density of solid-state batteries allows for more power to be packed into a smaller space, making them ideal for sports cars. Espinosa also mentioned the possibility of using these batteries in small cars and big SUVs to maximize cabin space or enhance the efficiency of these vehicles.
While Espinosa did not reveal the cost of solid-state batteries, he acknowledged that the initial cost might be high. However, as the technology matures and production scales up, the costs are expected to decrease. The greater energy density of solid-state batteries also means that less material is required per battery, which should help offset the overall cost.
Nissan’s Hyper Force concept, the electric successor to the Nissan GT-R, is likely to be the first production vehicle to feature solid-state batteries. This flagship car is well-suited to introduce the technology due to its tightly packaged design and performance-oriented nature. Solid-state batteries could also be applied to smaller cars, like kei cars, or larger SUVs to make the most of their cabin space.
The introduction of solid-state batteries in Nissan’s future sports cars and other vehicles could have a significant impact on the electric car market. Longer ranges and faster charging times would address two major concerns for electric car buyers, making them more attractive and practical options. As the technology matures and costs decrease, solid-state batteries could become the standard for electric vehicles, further accelerating the transition to a greener automotive industry.
It is worth noting that Autocar, the source of this information, is one of the oldest and most respected car magazines in the world. Their expertise and access to industry insiders make their insights credible and reliable.
