Car batteries at a factory in Nanjing in China's eastern Jiangsu province
For years, the automotive world has buzzed about solid-state batteries as the next big thing in electric vehicle (EV) technology. Often hailed as the “holy grail” for sustainable transportation, these batteries promise to revolutionize how we power our EVs. But are solid-state EV batteries truly ready to take over, or is the reality more complex?
The Promise of Solid-State Battery Technology
Solid-state batteries are distinct from the lithium-ion batteries that currently dominate the EV market because of their composition. Instead of a liquid electrolyte solution, solid-state batteries utilize a solid electrolyte, often made from ceramic materials. This fundamental difference offers several potential advantages.
Theoretically, solid-state batteries can store more energy in a smaller space compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. This translates to a higher energy density, meaning EVs could travel further on a single charge without adding significant weight or size to the battery pack. Furthermore, proponents suggest that solid-state technology could lead to safer, more cost-effective, and more powerful EV batteries with significantly faster charging times.
Automakers worldwide have poured billions into solid-state battery research and development, forging partnerships with battery developers to accelerate mass production.
Car batteries at a factory in Nanjing in China's eastern Jiangsu province
Toyota, a leading automotive manufacturer, has publicly stated its ambitious goal to commence mass production of solid-state batteries between 2027 and 2028. The company highlights a recent breakthrough in battery durability, projecting their solid-state batteries to offer an impressive range of 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) with a remarkably quick 10-minute charging time. Nissan also announced plans to introduce EVs with solid-state batteries by early 2029, and Mercedes-Benz, in collaboration with battery startup Factorial, aims for production-ready solid-state batteries by the end of the decade. Factorial has also established joint development agreements with other major automakers like Stellantis, Hyundai, and Kia, indicating a widespread industry interest in this technology.
Currently, the average EV range in the U.S. is approximately 300 miles (483 kilometers) per charge, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. Charging times vary significantly, from 20 minutes to several hours, depending on the vehicle and charger type. Solid-state batteries aim to drastically improve both range and charging speed, addressing two key consumer concerns about EV adoption.
Roadblocks to Solid-State Battery Commercialization
Despite the excitement and substantial investment, analysts remain cautious about the immediate widespread availability of solid-state EV batteries. Max Reid, an analyst at Wood Mackenzie, points out that solid-state technology is still in the early stages of its journey toward commercialization. While acknowledging the promising results – enhanced safety, greater energy density, and particularly rapid charging – skepticism persists regarding the timeline for mass market penetration.
One major hurdle identified by Wood Mackenzie’s Reid is battery swelling during charging and the subsequent degradation of the battery cell over repeated charge cycles. Julia Poliscanova, senior director for vehicles and e-mobility supply chains at Transport & Environment, echoes this sentiment, noting a sense of stagnation between pilot projects and full-scale commercialization. Despite the initial enthusiasm of five years ago, automotive executives at battery conferences consistently cite a “five to seven years away” timeframe for solid-state battery availability.
Car batteries at a factory in Nanjing in China's eastern Jiangsu province
Poliscanova further suggests that continuous improvements in conventional lithium-ion battery technology, particularly in cost reduction, might be diminishing the urgency to switch to solid-state batteries. The incremental advancements in lithium-ion technology may be proving “good enough” for current EV performance demands, potentially lessening the immediate appeal of solid-state batteries.
Semi-Solid-State Batteries: A Stepping Stone?
However, a potential middle ground is emerging in the form of semi-solid-state batteries. These batteries utilize a hybrid design, combining both solid and liquid electrolytes. Some analysts believe semi-solid-state technology could act as a crucial transitional step between current lithium-ion batteries and the eventual widespread adoption of full solid-state batteries.
According to Reid, semi-solid batteries have already achieved notable commercial success in China. He suggests that this hybrid technology may effectively bridge the gap and potentially diminish the long-term necessity for full solid-state batteries in mainstream EVs. Considering the current slower growth in EV demand in Western markets and the persistent challenges in solid-state battery commercialization, there might be a shift towards semi-solid-state batteries as a more practical near-term solution.
Chinese companies are at the forefront of semi-solid-state battery development. CATL, a global leader in battery manufacturing, along with companies like WeLion, Qingtao Energy, and Ganfeng Lithium, are heavily invested in this technology. Notably, Chinese EV manufacturer Nio has already commercialized 150-kilowatt hour semi-solid-state batteries, boasting a range of up to 1,000 kilometers. Ganfeng LiEnergy, a Ganfeng Lithium subsidiary, is also producing semi-solid-state batteries for EVs with a range of 530 kilometers, demonstrating the growing viability of this technology.
Lithium-Ion Batteries Remain Dominant in the Near Future
Poliscanova from Transport & Environment acknowledges the progress in semi-solid-state batteries in China, recognizing that battery innovation naturally progresses. She believes that recent focus has been more on cost-effective innovations rather than solely on solid-state, possibly because current EV performance with advanced lithium-ion batteries is already meeting many consumer needs. While solid-state might be crucial for heavier vehicles like trucks and aircraft, the existing range of 600 to 800 kilometers offered by high-end lithium-ion EVs is generally sufficient for passenger vehicles.
Car batteries at a factory in Nanjing in China's eastern Jiangsu province
Michael Widmer, head of metals research at Bank of America global research, reinforces this perspective. He states that “lithium-based batteries are still the way to go” in the EV sector for the foreseeable future, likely for the next five to ten years. Lithium-ion technology remains the “mainstay” and will continue to be the dominant force in EV batteries for the immediate term.
In conclusion, while solid-state EV batteries hold immense promise for the future of electric vehicles, significant challenges remain in their path to mass commercialization. Semi-solid-state batteries are emerging as a potential intermediate technology, offering a more realistic near-term improvement. For now, lithium-ion batteries continue to be the driving force in the EV revolution, with ongoing advancements ensuring their continued dominance in the electric vehicle market.
