Solid-state battery ecosystem for the electric two-wheeler

Blue Solutions, a Bolloré Group entity and global industrial-scale designer and manufacturer of solid-state batteries, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) and its subsidiary, SolidEdge Solution Inc., to jointly develop a solid-state battery ecosystem for the electric two-wheeler market.

The partners have agreed to combine their expertise, technologies, and resources to develop and produce batteries for two-wheeled vehicles. Their objective is to co-develop batteries using Blue Solutions’ exclusive solid-state cell technology. Specifically, they will use Blue Solutions’ innovative Gen4 technology and SolidEdge Solution’s materials to equip two-wheeled vehicles to serve the target markets. According to the terms of the agreement, variants of these battery systems may also be adapted for other electric vehicles (EVs).

The cooperation between Blue Solutions and Foxconn will initially target the Indonesian market. According to McKinsey’s estimates, the global two-wheeled vehicle market will be worth about $218 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 8.7% and the main growth momentum will come from electric motorcycles. The country’s ultimate goal is to have the number of electric motorcycles reach 13 million by 2030, from a fraction of what it is now.

As a pioneer, Blue Solutions has an extensive background in solid-state batteries with research going back in the 1980s. It is the sole producer in the world, and since 2011, of solid-state cells, modules and packs with productions lines located both in France and in Canada. To date, Bolloré group has already invested €3 billion in Blue Solutions and its activities, leading to more than 3 million cells delivered to the market.

Foxconn’s subsidiary, SolidEdge Solution, was founded in 2021 and is a pioneer in the development of battery materials in Taiwan. The goal of this innovative work is to develop common materials for each of the main components of a battery cell.

“This memorandum of understanding with Foxconn, the best-in class industrial manufacturer, is a key step in Blue Solutions’ strategy of forging strong partnerships to expand internationally. Foxconn represents a partner of choice to address together the future two-wheeler market in Asia and set up very ambitious targets for mobility,” said Richard Bouveret, President and CEO of Blue Solutions.

“Battery is the heart of EVs, and solid-state batteries is the ultimate goal for the rapid development of electric vehicles! Foxconn and Blue Solutions hope to accelerate the development of solid-state battery solutions that meet market demand and offer prime performance for our EV customers going forward to achieve the strategic goals of time-to-cost and time-to-market,” said Troy Wu, Head of battery strategy at Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn).