The focus will be on the development of prismatic batteries. The prismatic cell improves space utilization and allows for more flexible design when compared with cylindrical batteries.
According to the companies, the agreement is intended to address growing demand and expectations for electrified vehicles. In order to realize these objectives, Toyota and Panasonic will target further advancements in automotive batteries, which are crucial technologies in electrified vehicles.
Since Toyota and Panasonic began their business relationship in 1953, the business environment has undergone drastic change. The companies state they “have realized the importance of collaborating with trusted partners and looking past conventional boundaries to contribute to the world.”
Akio Toyoda, President, Toyota Motor Corporation, stated, “The automotive industry is now facing an era of profound transformation, the likes of which come only once every 100 years. No longer can we expect a future by adhering to our current path. We realize that we are now in an era in which we must create the future, using our wisdom and technology.
“What is necessary to create the future is the venture-company spirit of wanting to make the world a better place and the spirit of getting better and better, the ever-present understanding that there is always a better way and better technology.”
The companies hope the collaboration will lead to “the best automotive prismatic battery in the industry”, ultimately contributing to the popularization of Toyota's and other automakers' electrified vehicles.
Toyota is currently working on the development of a full range of environmentally friendly vehicles including HVs, PHVs (plug-in hybrid vehicles), FCVs, and EVs (electric vehicles).
Panasonic is currently making efforts to further enhance the safety and capacity of its automotive prismatic batteries, making use of its accumulated technological knowledge in the battery business.
Kazuhiro Tsuga, President, Panasonic Corporation, said, “The battery is a key device in promoting the widespread use of electrified vehicles, and thus toward achieving a sustainable society. This is why Panasonic positions the battery business as one of our primary businesses.
“Panasonic can never survive if we simply cling to our current business models. Therefore, always having the mindset of a challenger, we will strive to create contributions toward the widespread use of electrified vehicles, fully utilizing our assets and strengths nurtured over the past 100 years.”
