Asahi Kasei to Provide Battery Separators for Toyota Tsusho in the United States
In a move to bolster the North American battery supply chain, Japanese chemical company Asahi Kasei and Toyota Tsusho have formed a strategic partnership. The collaboration, set to commence in 2027, will see Asahi Kasei's U.S. subsidiary, Asahi Kasei Battery Separator America (AKBSA), supply advanced Hipore lithium-ion battery (LIB) separators to Toyota Tsusho America (TAI).
The partnership will primarily revolve around the supply of coated Hipore separators from AKBSA's new coating plant under construction in Charlotte, North Carolina. This plant, announced in 2023, is expected to commence production of coated Hipore separators in mid-2027.
Toyota Tsusho has secured preferential rights to AKBSA’s separator production capacity, which is expected to support Toyota's battery manufacturing operations nearby in Greensboro, North Carolina. The collaboration aims to create a localized, resilient supply ecosystem, aligning with Toyota's goal of producing up to 30 GWh of battery cells annually by 2030 for electric and hybrid vehicles.
By reducing logistical complexity and carbon emissions, this partnership is expected to contribute significantly to Toyota's goal of a more sustainable and efficient supply chain. The collaboration also aligns with wider industry trends towards supply chain regionalization and vertical integration in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
Asahi Kasei is further expanding its North American battery separator footprint with another facility in Canada, primarily serving Honda. This strategic move underscores Asahi Kasei's commitment to the EV market and its ambition to create a robust regional supply chain in North America.
Specific details about the order volume or the term of the contract between Asahi Kasei and Toyota Tsusho have not been disclosed. However, it is clear that this partnership marks an important step towards a more resilient and sustainable battery supply chain in North America.
[1] Source: Toyota Tsusho Press Release, [date] [2] Source: Asahi Kasei Press Release, [date] [3] Source: Charlotte Observer, [date] [4] Source: Greensboro News & Record, [date]
- The strategic partnership between Asahi Kasei and Toyota Tsusho, rooted in the battery industry, also involves the integration of finance, technology, and energy, as they aim to establish a localized, resilient supply ecosystem for electric vehicles, thereby investing in a more sustainable and efficient supply chain.
- Asahi Kasei's expansion in North America, encompassing facilities in both the United States and Canada, signifies a significant stride in the technology sector, further bolstering the region's energy infrastructure and solidifying their commitment to the electric vehicle market.
