Accord Hybrid

Make
Honda
Segment
Sedan

While EVs have moved the game forward considerably, there are still several issues hindering the mass adoption of battery-powered vehicles. Affordability remains the biggest roadblock, but technological advances will soon make this a thing of the past.

Many automakers are looking to solid-state batteries as the way forward, and Honda is the latest to put its name behind the developing technology. In an interview with The Drive, American Honda's Dave Gardner described it as a game changer" for the brand. In fact, Gardner believes solid-state technology could push electric vehicle prices into "the neighborhood of what a nice [gas-powered] vehicle costs."

Now, if you're not aware, solid-state batteries have untold benefits. Instead of liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries use solid ceramic materials that allow for faster charging, increased travel range, and reduced fire risks. But we're still some time away from this becoming a production reality. In the meantime, Honda will invest $310 million in a pilot program.

Nikkei Asia reports the experimental production line will produce solid-state batteries from 2024 at the company's Sakura research center. The components won't be used in vehicles right now, but the project will allow Honda to evaluate the performance and production capabilities.

At present, Honda doesn't offer pure electric vehicles in the United States. While Europe and other markets get to play around with the delightful Honda e, the closest we've got is electrically-assisted models such as the Accord Hybrid. However, that's all set to change as the Japanese automaker prepares to launch a spate of electric vehicles in the coming years.

Acura's Precision EV gave us a glimpse of the brand's electric future, but Honda's battery-powered vehicles are edging closer to reality. The manufacturer has partnered with General Motors and will use the Ultium platform. Hopefully, these cost-cutting exploits and the recent solid-state battery investment will bring well-priced EVs to fruition.

"We don't believe that the current lithium-ion technology is the long-term solution," added Gardiner. For now, however, we can anticipate early models to retain this type of battery - but the future is promising. As mentioned, these vehicles would debut with an MSRP similar to that of a nice ICE-powered vehicle.

With that in mind, it's entirely possible that a base model electric sedan could come in at the same price point as a mid-spec Accord; around the $30,000 mark. Of course, this is speculation, but we're looking forward to the introduction of truly affordable electric vehicles.

We should point out that Honda isn't the only automaker to be investing in solid-state batteries. Toyota, Ford, and BMW are just a few of the many brands spearheading the technology, with the former holding the bulk of global patents in the technology.