Nissan plans to mass-produce electric vehicles powered by advanced next-generation solid-state batteries by early 2029. The company aims to catch up and potentially leap ahead of newer rivals in the all-electric auto sector, such as Tesla and BYD. Solid-state batteries, which replace corrosive liquids with solid metals, are seen as the next step for EVs due to their promise of being more powerful, cheaper, safer, and faster to charge than lithium-ion batteries currently in use.
Other automakers like Volkswagen and Toyota have also announced efforts to produce solid-state EVs, with Toyota aiming to bring them to market by 2027-28. However, there are substantial challenges that need to be overcome before this technology can reach commercial mass production. Nissan showcased an unfinished pilot plant during a media tour, with plans to begin operating a pilot production line by March 2025 and start commercial production of EVs in fiscal year 2028.
Nissan’s Executive Vice President, Hideyuki Sakamoto, expressed optimism about the future of electric vehicles, highlighting the potential cost savings and convenience they offer compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. The company’s engineers are working hard to create a new world of EVs powered by solid-state batteries. While details about the technology, investment amount, and global production plans are limited, Nissan has developed key unique materials for the batteries, including a metal form of lithium.
Nissan has been an EV pioneer, introducing the all-electric Leaf in 2010. The company plans to offer solid-state batteries in a range of models, including pickup trucks. Shunichi Inamijima, corporate vice president, emphasized that they are in the phase of scaling up their all-solid-state battery line and believe this technology will be a game-changer for explosive growth in EV sales. The company is confident in the potential of solid-state batteries to revolutionize the EV market and is committed to driving innovation in this area.
