Nissan, once a leader in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, is now playing catch-up. However, instead of simply trying to match its competitors, the company is aiming to surpass them by becoming one of the first to develop highly energy-dense solid-state batteries. Even more ambitious is Nissan’s goal to beat Toyota, one of the biggest proponents of this battery technology, to the finish line.
Nissan made its intentions clear during a recent unveiling of its battery factory in Yokohama. The facility will serve as the testing ground for the production of solid-state batteries, which Nissan expects to be commercially available by 2028. The automaker plans to produce its first prototype batteries by March 2025 and aims to manufacture 100 megawatt-hours of solid-state batteries each month starting in April 2028.
This timeline sets Nissan apart from Toyota, which has been at the forefront of solid-state battery technology in cars. While Toyota has been testing a vehicle with solid-state batteries for several years, its commercialization plans are more conservative. Toyota intends to wait until at least 2027 before beginning pilot production. The company has not disclosed its anticipated production capacity but has stated that it will be enough for approximately 10,000 EVs by 2030.
In contrast, Nissan projects an annual production capacity of 1.2 gigawatt-hours within four years. The number of EVs this capacity can supply depends on the vehicle type, but it would be sufficient for around 20,000 EVs with a battery the size of the Leaf Plus or 12,000 EVs with a larger battery like the Tesla Model S’s. If Nissan can deliver on its promises, it would surpass Toyota in terms of production capacity.
The main challenge in commercializing solid-state batteries lies in making them functional and reliable in real-world conditions. Numerous technological breakthroughs have been reported, but practical and affordable solid-state batteries have remained elusive. Being the first to achieve this breakthrough would give Nissan a significant advantage, as well as potential opportunities for collaboration with other automakers like Honda. Honda has expressed interest in partnering with Nissan for EV development after its previous partnership with General Motors fell through. The success of Nissan’s ambitious plans could ultimately shape the future of not only Nissan but also other top Japanese automakers.
In conclusion, Nissan’s ambition to develop highly energy-dense solid-state batteries and beat Toyota to the market showcases its determination to regain its position as an EV leader. With a more aggressive timeline and projected production capacity, Nissan has the potential to surpass its competitors. However, the challenges associated with solid-state battery technology should not be underestimated. Only time will tell if Nissan can deliver on its promises and revolutionize the EV industry.