Summary
- Nissan and SK On have reportedly agreed on a deal for SK On to supply 300,000 EV batteries for Nissan’s electric cars in the US
- The batteries and vehicles will be manufactured in the US to be eligible for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
- Nissan has teased the production of solid-state batteries, aiming to launch EVs with its proprietary all-solid-state batteries by fiscal year 2028
- SK On is also developing solid-state batteries, with commercial prototypes expected by 2027 and 2029
- Both companies are making advancements in solid-state battery technology, despite challenges and uncertainties surrounding the technology’s readiness for mass production
Article
Rumors have been circulating about a potential deal between Nissan and SK On to supply 300,000 EV batteries for Nissan’s electric cars in the US, solidifying electric mobility in the country. The deal, reported by Nikkei and Reuters, was formally agreed upon on January 23rd, with the batteries and vehicles being manufactured in the US to qualify for federal tax credits. This development comes after a successful year for Nissan EV sales in the US, including models like the Leaf and Ariya crossover, showcasing the growth of the electric vehicle market.
Nissan has been teasing the idea of producing solid-state batteries since 2021, aiming to launch EVs with its proprietary all-solid-state batteries (ASSB) by fiscal year 2028. The new batteries are expected to reduce charging time, decrease costs, and enhance overall performance. SK On is also working on developing solid-state batteries, with plans to have commercial prototypes by 2027 and 2029. While this technology is still in progress, the US manufacturing deal between Nissan and SK On appears to be moving forward, potentially bypassing the availability of solid-state EV batteries for production.
The Alliance 2030 EV battery collaboration between Nissan, Renault, and Mitsubishi Motors is also underway, with Nissan spearheading the work on solid-state EV batteries. Honda is also in the mix with plans for a merger with Nissan, along with other industry partners like LG Energy Solutions. Oxford University is leading solid-state battery research in the UK, working on addressing challenges faced by conventional lithium-ion batteries and solid-state batteries. Researchers at Oxford and Nissan recently published a study outlining a pathway for fabricating thin lithium films for solid-state batteries.
As the development of solid-state batteries continues, the focus remains on overcoming challenges to improve EV battery performance, safety, and range. While the timeline for the production deal between Nissan and SK On in the US aligns with the expected availability of solid-state batteries, it remains to be seen how these advancements will impact the electric vehicle market in the future. With ongoing research and development efforts by industry stakeholders, the future of EV technology looks promising, with potential benefits for cost reduction, charging efficiency, and overall performance.
The potential merger between Nissan and Honda, as well as the involvement of industry partners and research institutions like Oxford University, highlights the collaborative efforts underway to advance solid-state battery technology. The introduction of solid-state EV batteries in Formula E electric motorsports also points towards the growing interest and investment in this technology. As the electric vehicle market continues to expand, innovations in battery technology will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation. Stay tuned for more developments in the EV industry as companies work towards a cleaner and more efficient future.
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