130. Honda’s Solid State EV Plan, Lunar Soil Rocket Fuel, The Molecular Computer Dream

Show Notes: <p><a href='https://arstechnica.com/cars/2022/11/honda-aims-for-a-solid-state-powered-ev-by-the-end-of-the-decade/'>Honda aims for a solid-state-powered EV by the end of the decade</a> | Ars Technica (00:53)</p> <ul><li style="font-weight:400;"> <p>Honda is working on what it believes will be the breakthrough that brings solid-state batteries to the market. </p> <ul><li style="font-weight:400;"> <p>Working solo on this technology</p> </li> </ul> </li> <li style="font-weight:400;"> <p>  Shinji Aoyama, Honda's global leader of electrification, told Ars Technica:</p> <ul><li style="font-weight:400;"> <p>“In the springtime of 2024, we will start a pilot line (for manufacturing). Then if we can be successful, we believe we can launch a vehicle with a solid-state battery in the latter part of the 2020s. 2029, 2028."</p> </li> <li style="font-weight:400;"> <p>CEO and president Toshihiro Mibe added that the automaker hasn't decided which vehicle will be the first to be outfitted with a solid-state battery.</p> </li> </ul> </li> <li style="font-weight:400;"> <p>Solid State batteries might be potentially cheaper, safer, charge quicker, and hold more energy per pound, but they also don't have much of a life span.</p> <ul><li style="font-weight:400;"> <p>As we talked about last week</p> </li> </ul> </li> <li style="font-weight:400;"> <p>Dendrites are tiny crystal spikes that form in the lithium metal anodes of solid-state batteries over time. </p> <ul><li style="font-weight:400;"> <p>Honda is trying to solve the issue where the dendrites bore through the electrolyte over time and cause a short circuit during charging, reducing the battery's life span.</p> </li> </ul> </li> <li style="font-weight:400;"> <p>Honda's solution is to sandwich the solid electrolyte with a polymer fabric keeping the dendrites from forming without sacrificing the battery's capabilities.</p> <ul><li style="font-weight:400;"> <p>They will roll press the elements instead of stamping, which Honda believes should give the company greater contr