Nissan is anticipating the completion of its solid-state battery technology development for mass production in 2028. While development work continues, the Japanese automaker believes it is in a good position to introduce pilot production in 2025 and gradually enhance the technology.
According to David Moss, Nissan’s senior vice-president for research and development in Europe, the company is among a group of leaders in solid-state battery technology development, aiming to decrease the cost by 50%, double the energy density, and provide three times the charging speed when compared to lithium-ion batteries. The development work is being carried out in Japan and England.
Although several car manufacturers and suppliers are also working on developing solid-state batteries, Moss’s team is concentrating on developing a genuine solid-state battery that does not require a liquid electrolyte. He noted that some solid-state batteries still rely on liquid electrolytes, which is problematic because the liquid boils, affecting the energy storage and transfer efficiency and the power supplied.
While solid-state batteries are still in the prototype phase, they have the potential to provide several benefits compared to lithium-ion batteries, which currently power most electric vehicles (EVs) on the market. One of the benefits is faster charging, with the assumption that driving range will be less of a concern if reliable charging is as quick as refueling a gasoline tank. As a result, automakers may construct EVs with smaller battery packs and (hopefully) reduce the price gap between an EV and a comparable gasoline-powered model, passing the savings onto buyers.
It is too early to predict which models will feature solid-state technology, although a new platform and factory assembly may be required, according to Autocar. Moss also clarified that the technology is not tied to a specific vehicle program to prevent other projects from being delayed if the 2028 deadline is not met. Nissan continues to invest in lithium-ion technology to be cautious.
Nissan has spent €7.8 billion (about $8.4 billion) on EV development so far, with its first mass-produced electric car being the original Leaf unveiled in 2010, and executives plan to spend an additional €15.6 billion (approximately $16.8 billion) in the future.
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