Honda is accelerating its electric vehicle (EV) efforts by introducing a new division focusing on battery technology. The Japanese automaker plans to create affordable small electric cars by developing solid-state batteries that would reduce battery costs. In an interview with Bloomberg news agency, Honda Motor CEO Toshihiro Mibe shared his insights on how solid-state batteries could make EVs more affordable.
The cost of manufacturing solid-state batteries is high, and Honda must ensure that the market is ready before production begins. Honda is currently driving solid-state batteries in its own program and collaborating with LG Energy Solution to develop the technology further. The automaker hopes that solid-state batteries will offer better safety and performance and more compact, cheaper battery packs.
Honda's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 includes introducing 30 new EVs worldwide by 2030 with a production volume of two million units. To achieve this, the company plans to launch larger EVs with existing battery technology before moving onto smaller passenger cars based on its own electric car platform from 2026.
In collaboration with General Motors, Honda plans to release a series of affordable full-electric vehicles based on a common platform in 2027. Additionally, Honda is currently the only electric car manufacturer offering the small car Honda e, but it plans to release three new EVs in Europe, including a fully electric SUV in the B segment, the Honda e:Ny1 electric SUV, and a full hybrid SUV in the C segment.