Evonik to invest in fumed alumina production in Japan for EV batteries

The second largest chemicals company in Germany, Evonik, and also one of the largest speciality chemicals companies in the world, is investing multi-million euros in expanding production facilities for fumed alumina at its Yokkaichi site in Japan. The material will be used as an ultrathin coating for battery separator foils.

This facility will be the German chemical company's first alumina asset in Asia, designed to produce speciality lithium-ion battery technologies for electric vehicles. Evonik revealed that construction will begin in the summer of 2023, while commercial operations will start in 2025. The project will also create additional jobs. However, the Japanese government subsidy is yet to be disclosed.

Japan's automakers are at a fork in the road as the world shifts to electric vehicles picking up speed due to decarbonising efforts. The government and businesses are now working together to lay out a plan for the future of Japan's automobile industry as the growth of protectionism and stricter environmental regulations endanger the competitive edge of Japanese manufacturers.

The aggressive growth of the global electric vehicle market has sent shockwaves through Japan's auto industry. Toyota CEO Toyoda Akio responded to the rapid transition to electric vehicles at the end of last year by announcing a sales target of 3.5 million electric vehicles annually by 2030.

The product Evonik plans to produce in Japan called “Aeroxide” is alumina which will be used for ultra-thin coatings of separators in lithium-ion batteries.

Evonik stated that the material is designed to increase safety and enhance electric cars' range and charging performance.

Emmanuel Auer, the Head of Business Line Silica, said, “We focus on providing our lithium-ion battery customers access to improved performance and next level of safety properties. The solution provides more durable operation and contributes to higher energy density.”

As a result, Evonik is growing its EV battery business. The business most recently invested in Chinese battery expert SuperC, which created pastes for lithium-ion battery electrodes using a novel technology to make few-layer graphene.