
Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the challenges faced by Japanese automakers, particularly Nissan and Toyota, in establishing domestic EV battery production facilities, while Chinese companies continue to dominate the global EV battery market [1][2][3]. Group 1: Nissan and Toyota's Battery Plans - Nissan has announced the abandonment of its plan to build its first EV battery factory in Japan due to poor performance and the inability to make significant investments, despite having signed a site agreement just three months prior [1][2]. - Toyota has also decided to postpone the construction of its battery factory originally planned for spring 2025 in Fukuoka Prefecture, which was intended to produce batteries for next-generation EV models [2][3]. Group 2: Investment Challenges - The investment burden for EV batteries is substantial, with Nissan's planned investment amounting to approximately 153.3 billion yen, seeking a subsidy of up to 55.7 billion yen from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry [2]. - The failure of Nissan and Toyota to proceed with their battery factory plans poses significant implications for the growth strategies of Japanese automakers and the Japanese government's goal of establishing a domestic battery supply chain [2]. Group 3: Market Position and Competition - In 2024, CATL, a Chinese company, is projected to hold a 37.9% share of the global automotive battery market, with six out of the top ten companies being Chinese, while Panasonic ranks sixth among Japanese firms [3]. - Japanese companies are currently lagging behind Chinese firms in the battery materials sector, with Chinese companies holding dominant market shares in key components such as cathodes (89.4%) and anodes (93.5%) [4]. Group 4: Broader Industry Implications - The Japanese government has set a target to increase domestic battery production capacity to 150 GWh by 2030, but the recent setbacks from Nissan and Toyota make achieving this goal more challenging [2]. - The article draws parallels between the current situation in the Japanese automotive industry and past struggles in the Japanese electronics sector, suggesting that prioritizing short-term gains over long-term investments could lead to similar declines [6].