Solid-state batteries remain an ideal that is tantalizingly close, yet still far away
Translated from Slovenian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
At a glance
Analysis
Named sources
New plan
- CATL, BYD and Samsung SDI are reported to be planning pilot or regular solid-state battery production by 2027.
- Solid-state batteries could reach an energy density of 400 to 500 Wh/kg, roughly twice the level of many current batteries.
- Despite years of development and partnerships with automakers, the technology is not yet available to consumers, and CATL’s chairman expects mass production only around 2030.
Solid-state batteries have been described as the next major advance in battery technology for at least a decade. Replacing the liquid electrolyte between the anode and cathode with a solid one could dramatically raise performance, but the technology still has not reached the market.
Recent reports from Car News China say battery giants CATL, BYD and Samsung SDI plan to begin pilot or regular production by 2027. Unofficial forecasts put the batteries’ energy density at 400 to 500 watt-hours per kilogram, compared with roughly 200 to 270 Wh/kg for many current batteries.
The United States, South Korea and Europe must join forces if they want to overtake China, not merely chase it.
The technology has attracted both established manufacturers and startups. Samsung SDI is working with the U.S. company Solid Power, which also has BMW involved. Volkswagen is linked to QuantumScape, while Factorial is developing batteries with Stellantis, Mercedes, Hyundai and Ford. Factorial is also working with several automotive companies on the technology.
Pilot production is one thing, mass production is another, and in my view we can expect it only in 2030.
A prototype Mercedes EQS reportedly traveled 1,250 kilometers on a single charge last year using this type of battery. Yet no such battery is available to buyers. Toyota has repeatedly predicted progress, but its timelines have continued to move back.
The technology has also become part of a wider effort in the United States, South Korea and Europe to compete with China. Factorial chief executive Siyu Huang has said those regions must work together if they want to overtake China rather than merely catch up. CATL chairman Robin Zeng has cautioned that much work remains. In his view, pilot production is one thing, while mass production may not arrive until 2030. Battery researcher Robert Dominko has also questioned which chemical composition companies plan to use.
It is not clear which chemical composition they intend to use in the solid-state battery.
About this summary
Originally published by Delo in Slovenian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.
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