As explains Nikkei Asian Review, Japanese companies TDK and Murata already produce solid-state batteries, but they are used only in compact devices such as wearable electronics. Maxell Technologies is ready to spend $15 million to build a production line near Kyoto to start serial production of solid-state batteries for industrial robots.
Image Source: Nikkei Asian Review
These types of batteries are more resistant to low temperatures and are safer from the point of view of the risk of spontaneous combustion, and most importantly, they provide three times the energy storage density compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The disadvantage of the new type of batteries is their higher cost – it is more than four times higher than traditional batteries with liquid electrolyte. Maxell’s move to larger solid-state batteries is an important step towards their introduction into EV powertrains. Toyota, Nissan and Panasonic are hatching corresponding plans, not to mention most European and American automakers. Japanese companies still own 80% of patents in the development of solid-state batteries, so it is important for local manufacturers to realize this competitive advantage.