Japanese materials company Asahi Kasei has entered into a strategic partnership with Toyota Tsusho to supply lithium-ion battery separators in North America, in a move aimed at fortifying the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain in the United States. The collaboration will see the delivery of locally manufactured separator films to a Toyota-affiliated plant in the U.S., beginning in 2027.
As part of the agreement, Asahi Kasei’s North American subsidiary, Asahi Kasei Battery Separator America (AKBSA), will supply its proprietary Hipore wet-process battery separators to Toyota Tsusho America (TAI). The separators will be produced at a new coating plant currently under construction in Charlotte, North Carolina. The coated separators are expected to support production at a U.S.-based Toyota battery plant, widely believed to be Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC) in Greensboro.
The initiative is intended to minimize transportation distances and reinforce supply chain resilience, particularly in light of shifting trade policies and potential customs duties. Both companies underscored their intent to reduce environmental impact while building a more robust EV infrastructure in the U.S.
Asahi Kasei stated that the partnership is expected to “accelerate the adoption of high-quality wet-process separator in the North American battery market and facilitate the manufacture of higher-performance electric vehicles.”
Toyota Tsusho, which has previously secured cathode materials from LG Chem, continues to diversify its battery supply strategy as Toyota prepares for increased EV production in the U.S. The carmaker is planning to build a three-row electric SUV at its Kentucky facility, though production has been delayed to 2026. Toyota will also use battery modules sourced from LG Energy Solution alongside its own cell production.
Ryu Taniguchi, Lead Executive Officer at Asahi Kasei and head of the separator business, said the alliance supports the company’s long-term growth strategy and commitment to electrification in North America. “This alliance fits perfectly with Asahi Kasei’s global growth strategy to build and strengthen a supply chain in North America with our partners and to capture medium- to long-term growth opportunities in the electrified vehicle market,” he said.
Kazuyuki Urata, Chief Operating Officer of Toyota Tsusho’s Circular Economy Division, added that the collaboration reflects the company’s aim to accelerate electrification and build a sustainable mobility ecosystem in North America.
