Suzuki Motor Corporation has acquired the Japanese all-solid-state lithium-ion battery company, Kanadevia.
In early March, Suzuki’s Representative Director and President, Toshihiro Suzuki, announced the sale, covering all technology development, design, and sales. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, takes effect on July 1st. Suzuki noted that Kanadevia has been working on all-solid-state batteries since 2006, touting their ability to perform well in a wide range of temperatures and offering the potential for greater safety.
Kanadevia’s batteries are currently used in aerospace gear that can handle extreme temperatures, as well as in certain industrial machines, but they haven’t yet made their way into everyday cars or motorcycles. Solid-state batteries swap the liquid electrolyte for a solid one and, according to Suzuki’s recent claims, could deliver higher energy density, quicker charging, and a lower fire risk. That last advantage comes from eliminating the flammable organic solvent found in the liquid electrolyte of traditional lithium-ion cells.
It’s still unclear what the brand plans to do with the acquisition, but Suzuki’s current electric two-wheeler range is limited to the e-Address urban scooter, which has a 3.07kWh fixed lithium-ion battery, a claimed maximum range of 49.7 miles, and an output of just 5.5bhp. The company is also exploring alternative technologies, like using cow dung to power combustion vehicles in the Indian market, and is set to launch the Gixxer SF 250 in select markets from 2025, capable of running on up to 85% bioethanol.
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