Nissan Motor announced plans to commence large-scale production of solid-state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) by early 2029, leveraging massive casting machines to enhance efficiency and reduce costs on future models. The move reflects Nissan’s strategic focus on technological advancements to stay competitive against rivals like Tesla and BYD, which have made significant strides in the production of battery-powered vehicles.
The Japanese automaker, ranked third in volume in its home market, will initially conduct prototype tests and develop solid-state batteries at an in-progress pilot plant in Yokohama, near Tokyo. Solid-state batteries are anticipated to offer faster charging times and longer lifespans compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Nissan plans to start manufacturing solid-state batteries at the Yokohama site from March 2025, gradually ramping up production to 100 megawatt hours per month by the financial year beginning April 2028, with 100 workers per shift dedicated to this endeavor.
In addition to solid-state batteries, Nissan will employ heavy-force machines to manufacture the rear floors of EVs, reducing manufacturing costs by 10% and component weight by 20%. The automaker has a history of using casting boards for structural parts, such as front air conditioners, at its Tochigi plant for over 15 years.
According to Hideyuki Sakamoto, Nissan’s executive vice president for manufacturing and supply chain management, the decision to utilize a 6,000-tonne gigacasting machine for the rear body structure of cars using aluminum casting was the result of careful consideration and aligns with Nissan’s commitment to innovation in manufacturing processes.
Nissan’s ambitious plans include the launch of 30 new models over the next three years, with 16 of them being electrified, including eight all-battery-powered vehicles and four plug-in hybrids. The automaker aims to reduce the cost of its next-generation EVs by 30% by 2030, making them more competitive with internal combustion engine models.
Last month, Nissan announced a partnership with Honda to collaborate on key components for EVs and artificial intelligence in automotive software platforms, further demonstrating its commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility solutions.
