Research and investment of solid-state batteries are ramping up as automakers look to achieve similar energy density and range for electric vehicles (EVs) that rival internal combustion engines (ICE).
According to market research firm TrendForce, these solid-state batteries are projected to enter mass production sometime between 2030 and 2035, reaching energy density of 500 Wh/kg and with a two to three times greater than existing liquid lithium battery range.
Investment in these solid-state batteries is intensifying due to liquid lithium batteries reaching their energy density limits and the range falls short of ICE vehicles. Solid-state electrolytes are more structurally stable than liquid lithium batteries that help prevent short circuits which lead to fires. This is another reason the batteries are emerging as the future solution for EVs.
Solid state electrolytes fall into three categories:
- Sulfides
- Oxides
- Polymers
Japanese automakers are focusing on sulfides with Toyota and Panasonic having partnered to develop solid-state batteries for next generation EVs. Toyota said it will begin mass producing solid-state battery equipped vehicles by 2027, which will be the first Japanese vehicles with these batteries in the field.
European and U.S. automotive OEMs are exploring different paths with solid-state batteries expecting to debut in 2025. Chinese automakers are opting for oxides and have already initiated the mass production of semi-solid batteries in, the next year. This includes NIO, Dongfend Motor and Seres.
While there will be several solid-state models on the road, the industry will face issues with high costs and low ionic conductivity of these batteries in the immediate future, which leaves the timeline for mass production and vehicle integration uncertain, TrendForce said.
