- APB plans to build a factory in Japan which will use Nissan’s technology to make all-polymer batteries for storage use
- All-polymer batteries are said to be the next generation of lithium-ion batteries
Nissan said that it has licensed an advanced technology to APB Corporation which will allow mass production of lower-cost, safer lithium-ion batteries with increased charging capacity. Tokyo-based APB plans to build a factory in Japan that will use Nissan’s technology to make all-polymer batteries for storage use.
All-polymer batteries are said to be the next generation of lithium-ion batteries. Nissan said that its technology, known as bipolar structure all-polymer battery technology will help consumers and communities to more effectively use low-cost or renewable energy at a lower initial cost.
Hideki Kimata, vice president of the corporate strategy and business development division at Nissan said, “We believe the widespread adoption of this technology will contribute to fulfilling the U.N.’s sustainable development goals and help realize a sustainable, low-carbon society.”
Nissaid that it began researching and developing lithium-ion batteries in the early 1990s. It has continued to research core technologies and innovate in the field of EV batteries.
Increases the charging capacity relative to battery volume
In an all-polymer battery with a bipolar structure, the liquid electrolyte and metal electrodes used in conventional batteries are replaced with polymers. The front and back of the battery cell are made of a polymer current collector. Both the front and back have a negative or positive polarity and forms part of the battery case. An assembled battery with a bipolar structure is created by stacking a number of these cells together.
This technology increases the charging capacity relative to battery volume. It also increases safety by replacing liquid electrolytes with polymers. The cost is also reduced due to this technology.
Nissan said that the mainstream use of stationary batteries with this technology will help individual customers make effective use of low-cost electricity. These include renewable energy from solar panels or electricity purchased from the grid during off-peak hours, with a smaller initial investment. This will enable local communities to limit electricity use during peak hours and use power in a more stable and efficient manner.
