Mazda and Panasonic Link on Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Batteries

Panasonic Energy Company and Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that they will prepare for the supply of next-generation cylindrical automotive lithium-ion batteries, in anticipation of their installation in Mazda’s battery electric vehicles with scheduled production from 2027 onward. In a release they said this follows their formerly concluded agreement and reflects their aim of establishing a medium- to long-term partnership.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry also approved today their joint project for the expansion of battery production and technology development as part of its plan for establishing a stable supply of batteries. The Japanese government has positioned storage batteries as a strategic asset for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and is working to expand the domestic battery supply chains and improve industrial competitiveness. It added a subsidy of ~28.3 billion Yen ($199 million).*

“Mazda is committed to achieving carbon neutrality and is driving the transition to electrification through a range of solutions that cater to our customers’ needs and lifestyles. We will make the most of the highly efficient, high-performance, and safe batteries supplied by Panasonic Energy, and deliver distinctive Mazda BEVs to our customers that perfectly balance design, convenience, and driving range,” said Masahiro Moro, President and CEO of Mazda.

Mazda’s battery electric vehicle plan has three phases. By 2027, the company plans to introduce a BEV model based on its first dedicated EV platform. As part of this collaboration, Panasonic Energy aims to increase its production capacity and plans to produce cylindrical lithium-ion batteries at its Suminoe and Kaizuka factories in Osaka from 2027 onward. These will be module-packaged by Mazda. Panasonic Energy plans to achieve a domestic production capacity of 10GWh annually for this collaboration by 2030.

“Through this collaboration, we are poised to drive the expansion of BEV manufacturing and boost the competitiveness of Japan’s battery industry. Our ultimate goal is to foster a sustainable society, and we are dedicated to achieving this mission,” said Kazuo Tadanobu, President and CEO of Panasonic Energy.

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