Panasonic Energy has launched the Energy Innovation Square, a new R&D facility in Kadoma, near Osaka. This site centralizes material development, cell design, and prototype construction. The company intends to integrate these processes with the nearby Suminoe production facility, which specializes in manufacturing technologies. Together, these two sites employ approximately 800 staff members.
The company plans to deploy technologies developed in Osaka across its global manufacturing network, including plants in Japan, Nevada, and Kansas. By the fiscal year 2031, Panasonic aims to double its development efficiency compared to 2024 levels. Consolidating these processes is expected to reduce development and transportation times by over 15 per cent.
The facility will utilize digital development processes, combining simulation data with physical test results to accelerate mass production. Panasonic is focusing on next-generation batteries for electric vehicles, emphasizing higher energy density and longer lifespans, as well as solutions for data centers driven by AI infrastructure demand.
Panasonic faces significant competition in the global EV battery market. According to SNE Research, the company held a 3.7 per cent market share in 2025, ranking behind major players such as CATL with 39.2 per cent and BYD with 16.4 per cent. The new center is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the company's position against Chinese manufacturers.
