Government support to boost battery industry for electric cars
Japan is expanding its support for electric vehicle battery production, with the government announcing up to $2.4 billion to support battery technology projects led by companies such as Toyota andApril andPanasonicGovernment support includes 12 projects to develop storage batteries and their components, contributing to strengthening the supply chain and increasing production by 50% to reach 120 gigawatt hours.
Expanding production capacity and partnerships
Leading companies’ plans include large-scale investments. Toyota has announced plans to increase battery production by 9 gigawatt-hours through a 245 billion yen investment, with production starting in 2026 at plants in Hyogo and Fukuoka prefectures. Nissan has also confirmed its intention to produce lithium iron phosphate batteries from 2028 with a production capacity of 5 gigawatt-hours.
A group of Toyota model cars (AFP)
Strategic partnerships to achieve innovation
Panasonic, in collaboration with Subaru and Mazda, will build a new plant in Gunma Prefecture to supply cylindrical lithium-ion batteries starting in 2028, with a production capacity of 16 gigawatt-hours by 2030. The effort will be supported by a financial contribution of 463 billion yen, contributing to the development of a strong infrastructure for the electric vehicle industry.
Panasonic Power plant in Kinokawa, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan (Reuters)
Additional Strategies to Boost the Electric Vehicle Market
Panasonic is continuing its efforts to manufacture batteries for a variety of electric vehicles, including Mazda vehicles. These projects will represent an important contribution to the development of the Japanese electric vehicle sector.
Impact of initiatives on the future of electric cars
These steps come within the framework of Japan’s commitment to enhance its capabilities in the field of advanced technologyWhere public-private partnerships contribute to accelerating the achievement of national goals for the transition to clean and sustainable energy.
