GS Yuasa Corporation, established in 1909, stands as a prominent Japanese manufacturer specializing in lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. The company emerged from the merger of Japan Storage Battery and Yuasa Corporation in 2004, building upon a rich heritage dating back to 1666 when the Yuasa family initiated their industrial ventures. Today, GS Yuasa develops and produces advanced battery solutions for automotive, aerospace, industrial, and energy storage applications. With a global presence spanning Asia, Europe, and North America, the company maintains its position as a significant contributor to the battery industry through continuous innovation and strategic partnerships with major automotive manufacturers.
Battery Technology
GS Yuasa’s technical expertise encompasses two primary battery technologies. Their lithium-ion battery division produces high-performance cells featuring exceptional reliability and extended cycle life. These batteries serve critical applications in satellites, space exploration vehicles, and the International Space Station. The company’s advanced lithium-ion solutions also power electric vehicles and support energy storage systems worldwide.
In the lead-acid battery segment, GS Yuasa implements nanocarbon technology to enhance performance and durability. These batteries excel in deep-cycle applications, particularly in renewable energy systems and industrial backup power solutions. The company’s research and development efforts have yielded significant improvements in battery efficiency, including successful development of nitrogen-containing sulfide solid electrolytes with superior ionic conductivity and water resistance properties.
Recent technological achievements include the creation of 400Wh/kg-class lithium-sulfur batteries, marking substantial progress in energy density capabilities. GS Yuasa also maintains dedicated facilities for specialized applications, such as batteries for deep-sea submersibles and critical infrastructure support systems.
Recent Projects
In 2024, GS Yuasa formed Honda・GS Yuasa EV Battery R&D Co., Ltd., a joint venture focused on developing high-capacity, high-output lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. The company also received recognition through the METI’s Industrial Standardization Award, acknowledging their contributions to battery industry standards. Additionally, GS Yuasa updated its Mid-Term Management Plan targets, projecting increased operating income of ¥46.0 billion by FY2025, driven by improved profitability and operational restructuring in China.
Investors
GS Yuasa’s investor base includes significant financial institutions and automotive manufacturers. The Master Trust Bank of Japan holds the largest stake at 14.86%, followed by Custody Bank of Japan at 4.96%. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. maintains a 4.90% ownership position, while other notable shareholders include Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company (2.79%), Toyota Motor Corporation (2.23%), and MUFG Bank, Ltd. (1.86%). These strategic investments reflect strong institutional confidence in GS Yuasa’s business model and growth potential.
Business Details
Location: Minami-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Website: https://gs-yuasa.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gs-yuasa/
