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The Future of Electric Vehicle Batteries: Solid-State vs. Semi-Solid-State
PARIS, France — The race to bring solid-state batteries to the forefront of electric vehicle (EV) technology is actively progressing, yet analysts contend that automotive manufacturers might pivot toward a different innovative solution in the battery landscape.
Solid-state batteries have garnered attention as the potential “holy grail” in sustainable transportation. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries utilize a solid electrolyte, which can enhance safety and efficiency.
This advanced technology promises to deliver higher energy density than its lithium-ion counterparts, potentially providing quicker charging, lower costs, and improved performance for electric vehicles.
In pursuit of this groundbreaking technology, major automakers have channeled significant investments into research and partnerships aimed at developing solid-state batteries for widespread use.
For example, Toyota has announced an ambitious goal of launching solid-state batteries into mass production by 2027-2028, promising a remarkable driving range of 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) and an astonishing charging time of just ten minutes, attributed to recent advancements in battery durability.
Nissan is also moving forward, planning to introduce solid-state batteries for its EV lineup by early 2029. Similarly, Mercedes-Benz Group has partnered with startup Factorial, with intentions to begin producing solid-state batteries by the decade’s end. Factorial is also collaborating with brands including Stellantis, Hyundai, and Kia to advance similar technologies.
Presently, electric vehicles in the U.S. average about 300 miles (483 kilometers) per charge, with typical charging times varying between 20 minutes and several hours, depending on various factors.
Max Reid, an analyst at Wood Mackenzie, indicated that while solid-state batteries show promise, their commercialization is just beginning. “The results are looking very promising — much safer, much greater energy density, and particularly the charging speeds, which we think is probably one of the main benefits of solid-state,” he conveyed in a recent interview.
However, the increasing excitement surrounding solid-state technology is met with caution from analysts regarding the timeline for its market entry.
Challenges and Innovations: The Emergence of Semi-Solid-State Batteries
One of the significant challenges facing solid-state batteries is their tendency to swell during charging, which can lead to cell degradation over time, as highlighted by Reid.
Julia Poliscanova, a senior figure at Transport & Environment, expressed her earlier enthusiasm for solid-state batteries, remarking that despite advancements, a significant barrier seems to exist between prototype development and commercial viability. Automotive executives consistently indicate that full-scale rollout may still be five to seven years away.
Poliscanova elaborated on the impressive improvements in lithium-ion technology, hinting that these ongoing enhancements might divert attention from the solid-state pursuit.
In light of these challenges, semi-solid-state batteries could represent a transitional solution. These batteries combine both solid and liquid electrolytes, which some analysts believe could be a flexible alternative to the entirely solid-state designs.
Reid noted that semi-solid technologies are already seeing considerable commercialization in China, positing them as a viable mid-step away from traditional lithium-ion batteries. He pointed out that the slower demand for EVs in Western markets, combined with the barriers facing solid-state adoption, might prompt a strategic shift toward semi-solid solutions that better align with current market needs.
Leading the charge in the semi-solid-state battery domain are several Chinese enterprises, including CATL, one of the largest battery manufacturers globally. Nio, a Chinese EV manufacturer, has successfully commercialized a 150-kilowatt-hour semi-solid-state battery with impressive performance metrics, showcasing a range extending up to 1,000 kilometers.
The Road Ahead: Lithium-Based Batteries Persist
According to Poliscanova, rapid advancements in semi-solid-state technologies in China underline a broader understanding in the industry of what it takes to produce future batteries. She suggested that current advancements in lithium-ion technology may overshadow the need for an immediate shift to solid-state approaches, particularly given that ranges of 600 to 800 kilometers are deemed sufficient for many applications.
Nevertheless, there remains skepticism about an imminent shift toward semi-solid-state batteries or a large-scale deployment of solid-state technology in the near future. Michael Widmer, head of metals research at Bank of America, asserted that, at present, lithium-based batteries are still essential. He predicted, “That’s the mainstay, and it will probably stay like that for the next five to ten years.”
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