JOEM and Suppliers’ Challenges! Summary of the latest EV battery situation

Here you will find trending news topics in the automotive and mobility markets around the world.

We carefully select interesting news in the automotive industry, both domestic and international, and translate and summarize the contents for your reference. We hope you will find it useful in catching up with the latest news in the industry.

Nissan, Honda eye EV battery passports in Europe by 2027 (Original title: Nissan, Honda eye EV battery passports in Europe by 2027)

July 12, 2024 by Nikkei Asia

Seven Japanese automotive companies, including Nissan and Honda, have begun developing Battery Passport, a digital tracking system for electric vehicle batteries by 2027. This is in response to EU regulations aimed at promoting recycling and reducing dependence on China.

The system will provide access to information on the amount of recyclable metals, their origin, production history, battery degradation status, and residual value.

EU regulations adopted in June 2023 require recycling of 50% of lithium from used batteries by 2027.

The regulation also aims to improve the country’s dependence on China for battery material supply. China accounts for 65% of the world’s lithium processing and refining.

The U.S. is also tightening restrictions on China and is considering implementing a battery passport. However, obtaining complete battery data may be difficult without China’s cooperation, as China holds about 60% of the EV battery market and controls much of the supply chain.

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Japan’s AESC to make cheaper EV batteries at $1bn plant in Spain

July 12, 2024 By Nikkei Asia

AESC Group will start up a new plant in Spain in 2026 to produce a cheaper alternative to lithium-ion batteries, investing more than 1 billion euros and anticipating demand for LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries for electric vehicles and power storage systems.

LFP batteries do not contain expensive materials such as nickel or cobalt and are 20-30% less expensive than Li-ion batteries. However, they have a lower energy density and shorter driving range.

The plant will be AESC’s first LFP battery production site in Europe and is expected to create up to 900 jobs. The company already produces LFP batteries in China and plans to do so in the United States.

While China’s BYD and CATL are leading the development of LFP batteries, Japanese automakers such as Toyota and Nissan are also working to develop the technology, but are struggling to extend the driving range.

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Suzuki to launch a series of EVs in the market from next year – no need for excessive batteries

July 17, 2024 by Bloomberg

Suzuki announced its plan to launch a series of EVs from 2025 onward. The company plans to develop energy-efficient EVs by combining a lightweight chassis that runs on less energy and a small battery.

The EV market is expected to expand in the mid- to long-term due to climate change countermeasures and tighter regulations. The shift to EVs is expected to continue in Japan and India, making the development of competitive EVs an urgent task for Suzuki.

Plans to launch six EV models each in Japan and India by FY2030. The launch of light commercial EVs in Japan has been postponed due to certification irregularities.
In 2035, HVs are projected to account for 70 %、EVが30%of the Japanese market. In India, carbon neutral fuel vehicles, HVs, and EVs are expected to account for one third each.
Suzuki considers HVs to be the “best choice” for the time being and plans to develop a 48V Super Energy Charge from the current 12V Mild HV.

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