Fuji Heavy Industries’ president Ikuo Mori has said that the automaker is open to buying batteries for its electric cars from any battery maker, rather than limiting supply from a battery-making subsidiary of partner Toyota Motor.
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“It’s not necessary to stick to Toyota and Panasonic. We want to procure (batteries) from whoever can offer reasonable prices with good quality,” Mori told Dow Jones Newswires at a vehicle launch event.
The news agency noted that Toyota, which owns a 8.7% stake in Fuji Heavy, makes batteries for the Prius and other hybrid models at its 60% owned subsidiary, Panasonic EV Energy, a joint venture with Matsushita Electric Industrial.
The firm is increasing production capacity and plans to produce next-generation lithium-ion batteries.
Dow Jones said Mori’s comments signal Fuji Heavy’s openness to finding more competitive suppliers if Panasonic EV Energy cannot meet its needs as it battles rivals in the race to mass-produce electric cars.
Mori also said it is too early to expect affordable electric cars for the average car owner, the report added.
With more battery makers planning production in the next few years, “the price (of batteries) may begin to drop sharply” once they full-scale production, Mori reportedly said.
Dow Jones noted that Fuji Heavy plans to begin production of an electric car next year based on its R1 minicar.
The Subaru maker hopes to sell 100 to Japanese governmental and corporate customers.
