Yazılar

Panasonic targets breakthrough EV battery within two years

/in /tarafından

Panasonic (6752.T) said it aims to develop a new type of higher-capacity battery in about two years, a potential game-changer for electric vehicles and a boost for key customer Tesla (TSLA.O).

The Japanese company is working on an anode-free design that could deliver what it calls a “world-leading level” of energy density by the end of 2027. If successful, the innovation would increase battery capacity by about 25%, extending the range of Tesla’s Model Y by nearly 90 miles (145 km) without enlarging the pack.

Alternatively, Panasonic could use the technology to create lighter, potentially cheaper batteries that maintain current driving ranges with smaller packs. A company executive discussed the project ahead of a Thursday presentation by Shoichiro Watanabe, chief technology officer at Panasonic Energy.

The design removes the anode during manufacturing. Instead, a lithium metal anode forms inside the cell after its first charge, freeing up space for more cathode materials—nickel, cobalt, and aluminum—that boost capacity without increasing size. Panasonic also aims to cut the proportion of costly nickel.

While several global battery producers are pursuing similar technology, Panasonic stressed its version could deliver industry-leading performance. The company declined to provide details on manufacturing costs or whether the advance would allow Tesla to lower vehicle prices.

The push comes as Tesla faces growing competition. Reuters reported earlier this month that Tesla’s U.S. market share fell to its lowest in almost eight years in August, pressured by a flood of rival EV offerings and its aging product lineup.

Panasonic Boosts Battery Unit Outlook, Unveils Profitability Reform Plan

/in /tarafından

Panasonic Holdings has raised its full-year earnings forecast for its energy division, which supplies batteries to Tesla, citing strong sales of energy storage systems and improved profitability at its U.S. battery plant. The revised outlook increases the segment’s expected earnings by 14% to 124 billion yen ($798.35 million), following a 39% rise in operating profit during the third quarter.

The company also announced a new management reform plan, aiming to boost group profitability by over 300 billion yen ($1.93 billion) and achieve a return on equity above 10% by the fiscal year ending March 2029. It plans to improve profitability by 150 billion yen by fiscal 2026 and another 150 billion yen by fiscal 2028.

Panasonic’s energy unit benefited from higher sales of energy storage systems and lower material costs, offsetting an overall decline in automotive battery sales. Reduced production in Japan and increased costs related to a new U.S. battery plant and a renovated facility in Japan’s Wakayama prefecture impacted operations.

Expanding its North American footprint, Panasonic Energy currently operates a battery plant in Nevada supplying Tesla and is set to open a second U.S. facility in Kansas this year. The segment reported third-quarter operating income of 42 billion yen ($270.46 million).

Despite industry-wide concerns over slowing EV demand, Panasonic has retained its full-year profit forecast of 380 billion yen for the entire group. It continues to compete with major Asian battery makers, including China’s CATL and South Korea’s LG Energy Solution, the latter of which recently announced plans to cut capital expenditure by up to 30% due to weakening EV demand.

 

Why Japan’s Workaholics May Not Embrace a Four-Day Workweek

/in /tarafından

Japan has been promoting the adoption of a four-day workweek, but its deep-rooted work culture poses significant challenges to this initiative. The government has been pushing for a “work style reform” campaign, aiming to promote flexible work schedules and limit overtime hours. Despite these efforts, only 8% of companies in Japan allow employees to take three or more days off per week, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare.

Cultural and social pressures play a major role in Japan’s work ethic. Tim Craig, a professor and expert on Japanese culture, explained that many Japanese see work as a positive aspect of life and feel social pressure to work longer hours. Colleagues who leave early may face judgment, and others may be forced to pick up the slack, making early departures socially awkward. This sense of loyalty and community within the workplace fosters longer, though not necessarily efficient, working hours.

The impact of Japan’s work culture on health has been widely documented, with the health ministry reporting an increase in cases of karoshi—death from overwork. In 2022, 2,968 people died from overwork-related suicide, up from 1,935 in 2021. Reports also highlighted that 10.1% of men and 4.2% of women work over 60 hours a week, with the phenomenon not being exclusive to Japan.

Despite the slow progress, some companies like Microsoft Japan and Panasonic have introduced a four-day workweek. However, adoption remains low, with only about 150 of Panasonic’s 63,000 eligible employees opting in. Experts, such as Hiroshi Ono from Hitotsubashi University, believe the change will take time, as Japanese workers and traditional companies are not accustomed to flexible work arrangements.

SMBC, a major brokerage firm, introduced the four-day workweek in 2020 but limited its availability to employees aged 40 and above, primarily for family care or career development. The option is also restricted to those in their fourth year of employment, reflecting the cautious approach many companies are taking toward the initiative.

While adoption rates remain slim, the government’s efforts to push work-life balance are making headway. Companies are now more aware of the health risks associated with overwork, and policies limiting excessive overtime have been more strictly enforced. Though slow, the shift toward flexible work schedules could eventually bring about broader change in Japan’s work culture.