The subsequent significant technological advances for electric cars will be wireless charging and batteries that don’t leak. Nissan says that by 2028, EVs with reliable batteries will be on the market. There are promises of a more extended range, faster charging times, and a lower risk of fire, but the cost and lifespan still need to be worked out. Ford, BMW, Toyota, and other automakers are all working on solid-state technology, intending to make a product by 2025. This month, Nissan’s Global Headquarters Gallery in Yokohama, Japan, is hosting an exhibition called “Nissan Futures.” The title of the show suggests that it is about Nissan’s efforts to create the “future of sustainable mobility,” and that is indeed the subject of the show. The concept of “evolved solid-state batteries” is going to be presented as one of the primary topics of discussion. According to one report, Nissan may be able to market an electric vehicle by the year 2028 that makes use of these new batteries. A recent Autocar report says that Nissan plans to have a pilot production facility that makes the first solid-state batteries by 2025, finish the initial application engineering by 2026, and use the technology in vehicles by 2028. The automaker and researchers from the University of Oxford are working on the project. We are distinguishable from other people because of this one thing. David Moss, Senior Vice President for Research and Development in Europe for Nissan, said, “We think we have something pretty special and are at the forefront of technology.” Autocar. We want to be able to provide a charging speed that is three times faster than that of conventional lithium-ion batteries, as well as have twice as much energy density and lower overall costs. All-solid-state sodium batteries, or ASSBs, are another name for solid-state batteries that have changed over time. Moss says that Nissan wants to make ASSBs, which don’t use a liquid electrolyte. In the meantime, the company will keep working on developing lithium-ion batteries. Moss says that Nissan plans to come out with a cobalt-free li-ion battery in 2028 and a next-generation lithium battery in the next few years. Moss says that these lithium-ion packs without cobalt could cut battery costs by up to 65%. Other automakers are also making solid-state batteries. Toyota and Panasonic are working together to make solid-state batteries for hybrid cars that will be on the market in 2025. A new company called Solid Power started making solid-state test batteries for Ford and BMW cars last year. Nissan’s Chance to Get Ahead Nissan used to be the market leader in cheap, mass-market EVs, but the delayed release of the Ariya and the rise of a large fleet of rival EVs has eroded the Leaf’s early advantage. Being the first to market with a solid-state EV, which Moss says could have a long-range and fast charging speed, would put Nissan back on top in terms of technology. Moss told Autocar that solid-state packs would also give Nissan engineers more choices. “Is it the same as putting gas in a car if you can put in energy three times faster?” ‘Autocar?’ he asked. We don’t know [about battery size], but we might have two sizes—one for heavy users who need a lot of range, but do you need the size if you can add energy like gasoline?”
