Nissan is banking on solid batteries for the future of its electric cars – 01net.com

It is an understatement to say that Nissan is not at the forefront of the electric vehicle. Having started off with a certain lead over the competition thanks to his Leaf, the Japanese still only has this one model in his catalog. Certainly, Ariya, its large SUV, is about to enter the market, but for a supposed pioneer, the record remains very light. With this in mind, the group has decided to reverse the trend with a strategic plan that is not only ambitious, but going against its competitors.

Indeed, Makoto Uchida, CEO of Nissan, presented an electrification project for the next ten years. Nissan plans to spend nearly 16 billion euros over the next five years, having already agreed to an eight billion effort to go electric. Concretely, the “Ambition 2030” plan provides for the arrival of 23 new models, 15 of which will be 100% electric. Thus, the Japanese hopes to sell 50% of 100% electric models in 2030, with the ambition to focus on the most affordable vehicles.

Strong and above all cheaper batteries

But what makes Nissan’s plan so special is not the share of electric vehicles in the catalog, nor the emphasis on the most accessible models. It is the technological choice in terms of batteries. Indeed, the Japanese manufacturer has announced its intention to switch to the solid battery from 2028. The solid battery is an evolution of the conventional lithium-ion battery in which the liquid electrolyte is replaced by a solid material. This can take the form of a polymer or an inorganic powder, but other solutions are also being studied.

To achieve this goal, the Yokohama plant will be fully dedicated to the project, starting next year. The advantage of solid batteries is obviously their energy density, up to twice as high. But they have other advantages, such as recharging faster and, above all… costing less. Indeed, according to figures announced by Uchida, the cost per kWh would drop to less than $ 65 with this technology against nearly double the current rate.

However, as solid batteries are not yet available for vehicles, Nissan will first need to increase its own production of batteries and cells. The group’s objective is to achieve production of 52 GWh in 2026 and up to 130 GWh in 2030. All that remains is to unveil the vehicles that will accompany the Leaf and the Ariya in this project.