Japan Mobility Show
Finnegan Flynn
| 02-11-2023
· Vehicle Team
On October 25, the Tokyo Motor Show made a comeback after a four-year hiatus, rebranded as the "Japan Mobility Show."
Japanese automakers like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and others showcased their latest innovations, putting a strong emphasis on electric vehicles, internet connectivity, and smart technologies.
While it might seem like these Japanese car companies face stiff competition in the electric car arena, it's essential to take a closer look at their new "three electric" technologies, which hold promise for the future.
One key breakthrough is the development of solid-state batteries, which could revolutionize the electric vehicle industry.
Power batteries serve as the "heart" of electric cars, influencing their performance, range, and safety. The cost of power batteries is a significant challenge for manufacturers, limiting their ability to innovate.
All-solid-state batteries represent the next generation of power batteries for electric vehicles.
These batteries use solid-state compounds as their electrolytes, offering several advantages over conventional lithium-ion batteries.
All-solid-state batteries are smaller and lighter, providing a substantial boost to energy density, and making them capable of powering devices for longer durations without frequent recharging. They also charge much faster, up to four to six times quicker than current batteries, and offer an extended range.
Moreover, all-solid-state batteries are notably safer due to their solid electrolytes, which lack flammable components, reducing the risk of fires.
These batteries also exhibit excellent thermal stability, enabling them to function in extreme temperatures and maintain their capacity even in cold weather. This mitigates the issue of reduced range in pure electric vehicles during winter months.
At the Tokyo show, both Toyota and Nissan revealed their plans for solid-state batteries.
Toyota's roadmap for solid-state batteries appears to be more rapid and detailed, while Nissan intends to launch pure electric vehicles equipped with all-solid-state batteries by 2028.
Concept cars like the Hyper Force and Hyper Tourer showcased at the Nissan booth will feature these advanced batteries.
Additionally, Honda has announced its intention to begin mass production of all-solid-state batteries in 2024.
The three major Japanese car companies view all-solid-state batteries as a promising path forward, providing an opportunity to gain an edge in the electric vehicle race and make a Jedi-like comeback.
This innovative technology offers significant advantages in size, weight, energy density, charging speed, safety, and longevity. By embracing all solid-state batteries, these companies are positioning themselves for success in the evolving automotive landscape.