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Overview

Development of breakthrough technologies to realize innovative rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles

Reduction targets for CO₂ emissions have been set worldwide to prevent global warming. Electrifying automobiles is considered to be an efficient way to reduce CO₂ emissions. Some automakers have already announced that they have plans to sell annually several millions of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) by the end of the 2020s. However, the batteries used in current EVs and PHEVs are inadequate in terms of convenience (e.g., cruising range and charging time), and they have high manufacturing costs, which hinder widespread use of EVs. Thus, there is a strong demand to improve the battery performance by increasing the energy density and reduce the product costs of the battery modules. Based on the great success of previous projects (*), we will focus on two types of battery systems in the newly planned project: (1) fluoride batteries, which show great potential in terms of both energy density and safety, and they are based on highly original technologies developed in Japan, and (2) zinc-anode batteries, which offer significant safety advantages and cost benefits. In this context, we have launched a new five-year research and development project starting in FY2021.

* The RISING (2009–2015) and RISING2 (2016–2020) projects commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

This project will perform research and development of fluoride and zinc-anode batteries, which completely differ from conventional lithium-ion batteries, use inexpensive materials with no resource risks, and provide both high energy density and excellent safety. The project aims to maintain or improve the competitiveness of the automobile and battery industries through commercializing these batteries for EVs and PHEVs in the early stage. We will work in collaboration with industry, academia, and government to research and develop a common technological platform that covers from materials development through battery design and prototyping to characterization and analysis. Additionally, NEDO will manage the virtuous cycle of the wisdom of the players within the project, with the aim of creating technological breakthroughs that will lead to practical application of innovative automotive batteries.