Asahi Kasei and Toyota Tsusho have established a strategic partnership to support the North American electric vehicle (EV) supply chain by securing lithium-ion battery (LIB) separator production.
Charlotte Plant with new Hipore coating line under construction.
Their US-based subsidiaries, Asahi Kasei Battery Separator America, LLC (AKBSA) and Toyota Tsusho America (TAI), have signed a capacity rights agreement for the supply of Hipore wet-process LIB separator.
Under the agreement, TAI will receive a preferential share of AKBSA’s production capacity. Starting in mid-2027, AKBSA will supply coated Hipore separators from its new facility under construction in Charlotte, North Carolina.
This partnership aims to support the stable production of EV batteries by localizing the supply of key components. Asahi Kasei seeks to maintain efficient production utilization, while Toyota Tsusho is focused on building a reliable automotive battery supply chain in North America.
Both companies intend to address the growing demand for EV battery materials by combining functional material development with mobility-sector logistics. The Hipore separator is designed for use in high-performance LIBs, a core technology in modern EVs.
As part of its expansion strategy, Asahi Kasei also announced plans in May 2024 to build a LIB separator plant in Canada. Coordinating operations between the US and Canada will help meet increasing demand for EV batteries and support the regional battery ecosystem.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News