LG Energy Solution, a leading South Korean battery manufacturer, is expected to benefit from a new supply deal between Toyota Tsusho, the trading arm of Japanese automaker Toyota, and Japan’s Asahi Kasei. The agreement will support the safety and performance of LG’s high-nickel battery cells used in Toyota’s electric vehicles.
Several media outlets reported on August 7 that Asahi Kasei’s U.S. subsidiary, Asahi Kasei Battery Separator America, will begin supplying its Hipore-brand wet-process battery separators to Toyota Tsusho America starting in mid-2027. The separators will be manufactured at a new coating plant in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The deal grants Toyota Tsusho priority access to production capacity at the Charlotte facility. The companies aim to boost supply chain stability and efficiency, while contributing to the buildout of North America’s EV battery ecosystem and reducing carbon emissions.
Toyota currently sources a variety of battery cells, including high-performance pouch-type NCMA (nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum) cells from LG Energy Solution. These high-output, high-density batteries require advanced thermal management, making heat-resistant separators a critical component.
Asahi Kasei’s Hipore separators, manufactured using wet-process techniques and proprietary coating technologies, offer excellent thermal stability and durability. They are well-suited to support the performance and safety of LG Energy Solution’s high-nickel cells.
While the separators may be used across multiple cell suppliers, the connection with LG Energy Solution stands out.
LG supplies pouch-type cells locally in North America and is a core partner in Toyota’s EV battery strategy. A stable separator supply is expected to strengthen LG’s position across the battery value chain—from materials to cells.
Ryu Taniguchi, Senior Executive and Head of the Separator Business at Asahi Kasei, said, “This partnership aligns perfectly with our global growth strategy to expand the EV supply chain in North America and capture long-term market opportunities. We are committed to building a decarbonized ecosystem through the delivery of high-quality lithium-ion battery separators.”
Kazuyuki Urata, COO of the Circular Economy Department at Toyota Tsusho, added, “Our collaboration with Asahi Kasei marks a significant step toward accelerating electrification and building a sustainable mobility society in North America.
Leveraging our global network and expertise, we aim to establish a reliable battery supply chain that supports the growth of electrified vehicles and reduces environmental impact.”
