Honda Activa EV: Longer Range with Swappable and Solid-State Batteries

Honda is setting ambitious goals to revolutionize electric vehicles by adopting solid-state batteries. By the late 2020s, the company aims to double the driving range of its EVs with this cutting-edge technology.

The Honda Activa EV is equipped with three riding modes- Standard, Sport, and Eco, allowing the rider to customize their experience.

It is powered by two removable 1.3 kWh battery packs that offer a range of up to 70 km on a single full charge, varying depending on the mode selected.

Each battery can be charged from 0-75% in about 3 hours, giving the scooter a peak power of up to 6 kW and a top speed of 80 km/h.

Solid-state batteries will replace traditional liquid-state lithium-ion cells, delivering up to 2.5 times more range by the 2040s. Keiji Otsu, President of Honda R&D, described these batteries as a “game-changer” for the EV era during a press event at the company’s pilot production line in Tochigi, Japan.

Investment and Pilot Production for Solid-State Batteries

Honda is heavily investing 43 billion yen ($277 million) into its pilot production line for solid-state batteries, with nearly half funded by Japanese government subsidies.

Operations are set to begin in January, targeting substantial reductions in battery size (50%), weight (35%), and cost (25%) over the next five years. This initiative aligns with Honda’s strategy to increase annual EV production to over 2 million units by 2030.

Future EV Goals and Sales Targets

Honda has ambitious sales targets for the future. T

he company aims to achieve a 40% global sales ratio for EVs and fuel cell vehicles by 2030, progressing toward 100% by 2040. This approach underscores Honda’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the automotive industry.

Collaboration and Strategic Partnerships

Nissan, Honda’s strategic partner, is also developing all-solid-state batteries, with its pilot line scheduled to begin operations in March. Keiji Otsu highlighted the potential for collaboration in materials procurement, suggesting that Honda is open to joint efforts with partners to enhance efficiency.

Additionally, Honda is considering selling its solid-state batteries to external companies if it proves mutually beneficial.