Asahi Kasei and Honda Motor Co. are launching a new joint venture to produce advanced lithium-ion battery separators at an integrated plant in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. The project aims to convert an existing Asahi Kasei subsidiary into a high-output facility, capable of producing Hipore lithium-ion battery separators.
The joint venture, tentatively named the Asahi Kasei Honda Battery Separator Corporation, has been in discussions since April 2024 and is expected to gain regulatory approval, with production projected to start in early 2025.
With an initial capital of CAD$240 million, Asahi Kasei will hold a 75% stake while Honda will acquire 25%. Honda plans to contribute a total investment of CAD$417 million (approximately US$300 million) in the venture.
The plant will be equipped to manufacture up to 700 million square meters of separator material annually as coated film, a critical component for high-performance lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles.
Both companies will leverage their strengths—Asahi Kasei’s material technology and Honda’s electrification expertise—to produce premium separators that aim to enhance EV battery performance and sustainability.
Ryu Taniguchi, President and Representative Director at Asahi Kasei, emphasized the strategic importance of the venture, stating, “With the formation of Asahi Kasei Battery Separator, we are prepared to drive forward with nimble management and innovative technologies for lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing the expertise gained from Hipore and our global reach, we aim to advance energy storage for a more sustainable future.”