Did you know that Japan is the world’s No.1 when it comes to battery-related patents? There are already more than 2300 patents in this field! In 2019, Akira Yoshino was awarded the Nobel Prize for chemistry. Many of the portable electric devices we are using today are based on the prototype battery he developed.
“The world’s highest-capacity” solid-state battery is being developed in Japan. Hitachi Zosen has created a solid-state lithium-ion battery with one of the world’s highest capacities. These types are safer and more efficient than current liquid electrolyte batteries. They can also operate between -40℃ and 100℃ and is a candidate for use in extreme environments, for example in satellites.
There are also startups in Japan racing to create a new global standard for high-performing batteries. AC Biode, a startup in Kyoto, is developing the world’s first standalone AC batteries. “Biode” is a new word minted by the company and has the characteristics of both an anode and a cathode. The company claims the AC battery is safer and about 30% smaller than a regular DC (Direct current) battery.
Japan’s Panasonic, has today a ~20% share of the automotive battery market. One of the strategies is to create cobalt-free batteries until 2023 to avoid sourcing issues. The electronics giant is also partnering with Tesla, one of the world’s best-selling electric car makers.
About ten years ago, Nissan became the first car maker to series produces a “Leaf”. Which run on batteries alone. and have sold over 500,000 vehicles. Mitsubishi Fuso has also a small series production of the eCanter, an electric light-duty truck. The traction battery consists of six high-voltage lithium-ion battery packs with 370V and 13.8 kWh each.
