Summary
- Asahi Kasei and Honda Motor collaborate on production of lithium-ion battery separators in Canada
- E-Materials Canada will be converted into a joint venture with Honda Canada acquiring a 25% stake
- Honda will invest approximately C$417 million in the venture
- Integrated plant for base film manufacturing and coating will have a production capacity of 700 million m² per year
- Two companies plan to start operating the JV in early 2025 and begin commercial production in 2027
Article
Japanese chemical company Asahi Kasei and automaker Honda Motor have joined forces to collaborate on the production of lithium-ion battery separators in Canada. The companies plan to convert E-Materials Canada into a joint venture, with Honda Canada acquiring a 25% stake in the venture. Honda will invest approximately C$417 million ($300 million) into the partnership. This collaboration is part of Honda Motor’s larger plan to build out an EV production chain in Canada with an approximate investment of CAD$15 billion ($11 billion).
The integrated plant for manufacturing the base film and coating of Asahi Kasei’s Hipore lithium-ion battery separator will have a production capacity of around 700 million m² per year. The joint venture is expected to commence operations in early 2025 and begin commercial production in 2027. Ryu Taniguchi, President and Representative Director at Asahi Kasei Battery Separator, stated that the formation of Asahi Kasei Battery Separator as a new company for the Hipore separator business aims to achieve more nimble management for this essential component of lithium-ion batteries. Through this partnership, the companies hope to establish a stable supply of separators in North America, enhance battery performance, and advance the energy transition.
The collaboration between Asahi Kasei and Honda Motor signifies a strategic move to strengthen the production of lithium-ion battery separators in Canada. This joint venture reflects Honda’s commitment to investing in the EV sector and building a sustainable energy future. With Honda’s substantial investment in the venture, the companies aim to establish a reliable supply chain for lithium-ion battery separators in North America. By enhancing battery performance and durability, the partnership seeks to advance the energy transition and drive innovation in the electric vehicle industry.
Asahi Kasei Battery Separator was recently launched as a new company dedicated to the Hipore separator business, emphasizing the importance of this component in lithium-ion batteries. By forming the joint venture with Honda Motor, Asahi Kasei aims to optimize the management of lithium-ion battery separators and ensure a steady supply in the North American market. The collaboration will not only boost the production capacity of lithium-ion battery separators but also enhance their quality, leading to improved battery performance and durability. This initiative aligns with both companies’ goals of promoting sustainable technologies and reducing carbon emissions in the automotive sector.
The partnership between Asahi Kasei and Honda Motor marks a significant step towards establishing a robust supply chain for lithium-ion battery separators in Canada. By leveraging their expertise and resources, the companies aim to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and enhance the efficiency of energy storage solutions. The joint venture is expected to play a vital role in advancing the energy transition and fostering innovation in the electric vehicle market. Through strategic collaborations and investments, Asahi Kasei and Honda Motor are driving progress towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
Overall, the collaboration between Asahi Kasei and Honda Motor in the production of lithium-ion battery separators represents a key milestone in the development of sustainable technologies in the automotive industry. By pooling their strengths and resources, the companies are able to achieve a more efficient supply chain for critical components of electric vehicles. Through this joint venture, Asahi Kasei and Honda Motor are not only enhancing the performance and durability of lithium-ion batteries but also contributing to the advancement of the energy transition and the promotion of clean mobility solutions. This partnership underscores the importance of strategic alliances in driving innovation and progress towards a greener future.
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