Honda, SES to pursue joint research on developing next-gen EV batteries

Honda Motor Co. Ltd. has announced the signing of a joint development agreement with US-based EV battery research and development firm SES Holdings Pte. Ltd. Both the companies will pursue joint research for the realization of safe, high-durability, and high-capacity next-generation EV batteries.

An important aspect in the new partnership is the focus on the area of Lithium-metal secondary batteries. These batteries with Lithium-metal anode are expected to realize higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries, which usually use carbon-based materials for the anode.

Honda is accelerating the electrification of its products on a global basis and is concurrently looking into several options for next-generation batteries, including the all-solid-state batteries that the company is developing independently. This joint development agreement with SES is part of the larger battery strategy of the Japanese auto giant.

Shinji Aoyama, Managing Executive Officer in Charge of Electrification, Honda Motor Co., said, "Recognizing the advanced technologies of SES, Honda has signed a joint development agreement with SES with the aim to establish a good relationship and expeditiously generate substantial achievements through our joint research activities".

"Honda will continue to establish collaborative relationships with companies which have advanced technologies, as needed, to offer highly-competitive and attractive EVs to our customers", he added.

The Boston-based SES is planning to get listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) via a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) transaction, in which Honda is expected to acquire approximately 2 percent of the shares.