Introduction: Why are material manufacturers now transforming into "development support" companies?
With the spread of electric vehicles (EVs),Lithium-ion battery (LIB)Improving its performance is a focus for the entire industry.
However, we are now in an era where simply providing components is no longer sufficient.
This article provides an in-depth explanation of the core of Mitsubishi Chemical's "materials solutions business" and the future of the industry it represents.
- From development support to solution provisionWhy did Mitsubishi Chemical transform from a "component manufacturer" to a "development partner"?
- The relationship between thermal management and materialsChallenges and solutions in low-temperature charging and fast charging
- Business model transformationKnowledge businesses are advancing through factory transfers and licensing agreements.
Mitsubishi Chemical expands development support for lithium-ion batteries through "materials x development".
Mitsubishi Chemical is promoting a solutions-oriented business that provides comprehensive material proposals to automobile manufacturers, from analysis and testing related to paints and lithium-ion batteries to performance improvement.
In particular, in the field of lithium-ion batteries, we have strengths in key components such as "electrolytes" and "anode materials," and we provide development support that leverages the knowledge we have accumulated over many years. This is not simply the supply of materials, but is characterized by a multifaceted approach of "materials x development."
Key strengths of Mitsubishi Chemical
- We handle all four main components.: Possesses manufacturing capabilities for all important components, including electrolytes and negative electrode materials.
- Possesses battery cell prototyping capabilities: Technological capabilities that enable immediate proof-of-concept testing in development support.
- Accumulated knowledge of safety performanceOur years of expertise can be utilized to propose optimal solutions for thermal management and charge/discharge control.
In this way, Mitsubishi Chemical is expanding its business by going beyond the framework of being just a "component manufacturer" and strengthening its role as a development partner.
Challenges of electric vehicles and solutions provided by Mitsubishi Chemical's "development support"
There are several technical challenges to lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. The following points are particularly important:
Challenges in low-temperature charging and fast charging
- Deposition of lithium dendrites on the negative electrode surfaceCharging under low-temperature conditions or performing rapid charging can cause branch-like crystals (dendrites) to precipitate on the negative electrode surface, potentially leading to a loss of battery function.
- The difficulty of understanding the phenomenonAutomakers themselves often find it difficult to grasp these phenomena and challenges.
Mitsubishi Chemical's Development Support Process
Mitsubishi Chemical has established the following comprehensive support system:
- Conducting analysis and simulationsA scientific approach to clarify the material properties resulting from a phenomenon.
- Proposal for new materials that will lead to improved performanceContribution as a data-driven development partner
- Provided as a paid service.: Expanding beyond existing materials to solution-oriented businesses
In this way, Mitsubishi Chemical has earned the trust of development contract companies by providing not just components, but "material-driven solutions."
Evolution of business models and the shift to knowledge-based businesses
Mitsubishi Chemical entered the lithium-ion battery industry from its early stages, handling all major components and honing its material design and development capabilities, including battery cell prototyping.
Factory transfer and licensing
- Transfer of US and UK factoriesThe transfer of factories in the United States and the United Kingdom that manufacture "electrolytes," the core material for lithium-ion batteries, has been decided.
- Business sale to LuxembourgThe battery materials manufacturer is scheduled to sell its Luxembourg operations in March.
Shift in strategy towards knowledge business
- Utilization of licensingEven after the factory transfer, sustainable profits will be secured by providing knowledge (technology and know-how).
- Expansion to related materials: Expansion of materials that contribute to preventing thermal runaway and heat dissipation between cells, such as glass fiber mats, multilayer composite materials, and spacers.
- Establishing a business model based on development outsourcing and sales.: Strengthening business development not only by supplying components, but also by providing development support and solution proposals.
As the demands on batteries become more sophisticated, including support for rapid charging and measures against thermal runaway, Mitsubishi Chemical is enhancing the sustainability of its business by establishing a "development outsourcing and sales" business model, rather than simply "supplying components."
Supplementary Information: Explanation of Technical Terms and Industry Trends
Lithium-ion battery (LIB):
Rechargeable batteries are widely used in electric vehicles and portable devices. They generate electricity by lithium ions moving back and forth between the positive and negative electrodes.
Dendrite:
This phenomenon involves the deposition of branch-like crystals on the negative electrode surface. It can cause abnormal movement of lithium ions during charging, potentially leading to battery performance degradation and safety issues.
Electrolyte:
This liquid plays a role in transporting ions inside batteries. It is one of the core components of Mitsubishi Chemical's business.
Knowledge Business:
This business model generates revenue not only through the transfer of factories and equipment, but also by providing technology and know-how (knowledge). Licensing is a typical method of this business.
Mitsubishi Chemical's approach offers important insights as the entire lithium-ion battery industry shifts from being a "component manufacturer" to a "development partner."
Summary: The future beyond the materials solutions business
The electric vehicle industry is a new field that requires not just product sales, but a collaborative relationship as a "development partner." Mitsubishi Chemical's "materials x development" approach accurately meets the demands of this era.
We handle all major components and have established a comprehensive support system that covers everything from simulation and analysis to proposing new materials. Furthermore, we are enhancing the sustainability of our business by shifting to a knowledge-based business model, such as through factory transfers and licensing.
In this way, Mitsubishi Chemical is leading the transformation of the entire industry by going beyond the role of a "component manufacturer" and providing value as a "development partner."
For us, how materials manufacturers change is key to new business opportunities. What lies beyond that is the creation of new value through the fusion of "technology x business development".
