Nissan says it has reached a new milestone in its push toward solid-state batteries, a technology widely seen as the next major step in electric vehicle development. During a technical briefing on April 20, the company revealed progress that brings its long-stated 2028 launch target closer to reality.
The update comes as competition in next-generation battery technology intensifies, particularly among automakers and suppliers in China.
A Step Toward Real-World Application
Nissan’s latest achievement centers on scaling its battery design. The company confirmed it has successfully stacked up to 23 layers of cells into a single solid-state battery pack prototype—enough to meet basic requirements for vehicle use.
Just as importantly, the prototype has passed initial charge and discharge testing benchmarks.
In simple terms, this suggests the technology is moving beyond lab-scale experiments toward something that could function in an actual vehicle.
What Makes Solid-State Different
Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte found in conventional lithium-ion batteries with a solid material. This change can improve energy density, safety, and charging performance.
For drivers, that could mean longer range, faster charging, and potentially better durability over time.
Nissan has not released detailed specifications yet, but reports indicate its solid-state batteries could roughly double the range of current lithium-ion systems—potentially exceeding 1,000 km (620 miles) under WLTP testing.
Building Toward 2028 Production
Nissan has been laying the groundwork for mass production. The company opened a pilot production line for solid-state batteries at its Yokohama facility in early 2025 and is working with U.S.-based LiCAP Technologies to refine manufacturing processes.
One key element is LiCAP’s dry electrode technology, which eliminates the need for solvent-based coating and drying. This could reduce production costs and energy use—two major challenges in scaling new battery technologies.
The goal remains unchanged: introduce the first vehicles equipped with in-house solid-state batteries by fiscal year 2028.
A Broader Industry Race
Nissan is not alone in this effort. Several companies, particularly in China, are already testing solid-state batteries in prototype vehicles and targeting limited production within the next few years.
The timeline varies, but the direction is consistent.
Automakers see solid-state batteries as a potential way to overcome current EV limitations, especially around range and charging speed, while improving safety compared to traditional lithium-ion cells.
What It Means
Nissan’s progress suggests that solid-state batteries are gradually moving closer to commercialization, even if large-scale production is still several years away.
While technical and cost challenges remain, incremental milestones like this indicate the technology is advancing beyond early research stages.
Bottom Line
Nissan’s latest update highlights steady progress toward solid-state EV batteries, with a 2028 launch still in sight. If timelines hold, the technology could mark a significant shift in EV performance and efficiency, though widespread adoption will depend on successful scaling and cost control.
