Earlier this month, Nissan announced the creation of a prototype production facility for solid-state battery cells – with plans to set up a test production line as early as 2024 in Japan and bring it to market. EVs in 2028.
According to Nissan, these cells have the potential to be a “game changer for the democratization of EVs”, with the ability to double the energy density by weight, while also providing a third of the fast charging time — in a cell that the company is targeting costs just $75 per kwh. They are an important part of the company’s Nissan Ambition 2030 plan, which requires 15 fully electric vehicles for the Nissan and Infiniti brands by the end of the decade — and the goal of making electric vehicles 40% of sales in the US.
The project, in some ways, echoes efforts Nissan made with the Leaf, when they jointly developed automotive-grade lithium-ion cells for the pioneering electric vehicle more than a decade ago, when Vendors don’t quite deliver what it needs — and now hope to do something similar with solid-state battery technology.
In a Q&A with the press at the time of the announcement, Kazuhiro Doi, Vice President of Nissan Corporation, leader of the Nissan Research Center, noted that solid-state cells can play an important role in both democratizing electric vehicles and making larger electric trucks possible — very different application from Toyota’s plans launch hybrid technology by 2025.
Ultium EV Platform – GMC Hummer EV
The truck dilemma is a familiar one we’ve discussed with other vehicles and automakers — with Land Rover considering a fuel cell because “declining returns” of battery packs in large SUVsand Hyundai suggested that it can be smarter using hydrogen fuel cell technology more than two layers of batteries. The larger and heavier the truck, the heavier the battery pack – and then the truck’s structure needs to be built to support the extra weight of the battery while keeping the payload expected for a model like this. so. For example, look no further GMC Hummer EVweighs more than 9,000 pounds to pack enough batteries — about a third of its curb weight, at more than 200 kWh — to achieve more than 300 miles of range.
Still training wheels
The prototype facility is building each battery prototype by hand, and it reflects a deep level of commitment. Along with them, Nissan is also designing a new generation of motors and inverters to complement solid-state cells, and with the prototype cells, the automaker plans to make further tests. crash test, study battery protection and conduct endurance test. That includes at-home nail penetration tests and X-rays.
Currently, these cells are very small – the 20 mAh cells are a single layer and are only 2 cm wide. This year Nissan will also conduct a laboratory-scale feasibility study and will enlarge the cells into a design in the 3-5 Ah range, laminated and 10 cm wide. Actual production vehicle cells will be larger.
“I believe we are one of the few OEMs with in-house battery development and manufacturing experience and know-how from those experiences and the past 10 years of market history,” said Doi. “To further democratize electric vehicles, the key (innovation) is the battery.”
Nissan produces prototype solid-state cells
If the ASSB is not formed properly, it could be worse from the point of view of safety and durability. Mr. Doi noted that in the more than 11 years of being on the market, the Nissan Leaf has had no “market problems” related to fire or heat loss, stressing that safety is also a top priority. leader in new cars.
Part of a US partnership with NASA
Nissan cells benefit from a partnership with NASA and UC San Diego, in which an interlayer was developed with the help of AI techniques — and a database of 131,000 materials — to prevent containment. growth of lithium dendrites capable of piercing, short-circuiting cells. Doi has described the strategy as “out of the box” and is currently being final confirmed with actual documents.
Solid state cells using highly ionic conductive organic electrolytes are chosen to stabilize the interface to the anode and high energy potential, with lattice bonding and precise mixing between the activa and activa materials. solid electrolyte leads to a decrease in the resistance of the cell. The higher the output, the shorter the charging time, explains Doi – and considering the lower temperature rise when these cells are charged at high rates, they can be quickly charged to nearly 100% in just over 15 minutes. .
Nissan Chill-Out concept – December 2021
There may be some warming requirement for that, as that number is at 60 degrees Celsius. Charging time at 25 degrees Celsius is more likely as the ambient temperature allows for a quick charge of up to 90% in 30 minutes. . However, the need for cooling also decreases.
Potential to reduce carbon emissions
In addition, solid state cells are much more mass efficient than lithium-ion cells, so they are likely to have a lower CO2 impact based on material reduction. Doi noted that current liquid lithium-ion batteries have a dry process, and if a dry process can be applied to this, it could help reduce CO2.
Overall, the goal is simply to create a great electric vehicle, Nissan executives stress – with easier charging, less weight and affordability for market vehicles. mass, not just niche cars. After an update a few years after pilot production began, the company can show that it made the right decision when it comes to developing solid-state batteries in-house.
