Nissan has announced a new partnership with U.S.-based LiCAP Technologies to accelerate the development of production process technology for cathode electrodes in all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs).
For Fleet Managers, Sustainability Managers and Finance Managers, this announcement is significant. All-solid-state batteries are widely seen as the next step in electric vehicle (EV) technology, offering higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety compared to today’s lithium-ion batteries. However, bringing ASSBs to mass production at a commercially viable cost remains a key challenge.
Why this matters for fleets
A breakthrough in electrode production is central to reducing the cost of solid-state batteries and speeding up their availability in commercial vehicles. Nissan’s collaboration with LiCAP focuses on dry electrode technology, which eliminates the costly drying and solvent recovery stages used in traditional battery manufacturing.
By removing these steps, the dry electrode method could:
- Lower battery costs, making EVs more financially attractive for fleet procurement.
- Cut environmental impact, aligning with sustainability targets and emissions reduction plans.
- Simplify manufacturing, potentially leading to faster scale-up of production capacity.
For fleets, the potential outcome is more affordable EVs with longer driving ranges, higher durability, and faster charging – all critical factors in reducing downtime and improving total cost of ownership.
LiCAP’s technology advantage
LiCAP brings its proprietary Activated Dry Electrode® technology, which offers improved production efficiency and better performance compared to traditional solvent-based methods. This addresses one of the biggest bottlenecks in scaling up ASSB production – maintaining efficiency at high volumes.
Nissan’s roadmap
Nissan opened its ASSB pilot production line in January 2025 and has committed to launching its first EVs equipped with in-house developed solid-state batteries by fiscal year 2028. The partnership with LiCAP is expected to accelerate this timeline by solving key manufacturing hurdles.
For fleet operators planning long-term replacement schedules, this signals that solid-state EVs may be on the market within the next vehicle cycle – offering lower running costs and longer lifespans. Finance Managers in particular should note the potential impact on residual values as next-generation battery technology enters the fleet market.
What it means for sustainability goals
Solid-state batteries are expected to offer higher energy density, which translates into longer driving range without increasing battery size. For organisations with sustainability targets, the shift to solid-state will support deeper emissions reductions, especially in applications where vehicles cover high daily kilometres.
Nissan’s move to reduce environmental impact in the production process itself – by cutting solvents and drying requirements – adds another layer of sustainability benefits.
Key takeaway for fleets
Nissan’s partnership with LiCAP is not just an R&D milestone – it’s a signal that the next leap in EV technology is moving closer to commercialisation. Fleet Managers should factor solid-state timelines into medium-term planning, as the technology could reshape both procurement decisions and cost models before the end of the decade.
