The costs of solid-state batteries (SSBs) currently far exceed those of conventional lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, but projections suggest this gap will narrow over time.
Current Cost Comparison
- Solid-State Batteries: Presently, SSBs cost roughly $800 to $1,200 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) due to being an emerging technology with small-scale manufacturing and expensive, ultra-pure materials needed for the solid electrolyte. Other estimates place initial SSB costs around $400–$800 per kWh in the near term, which is still several times higher than current Li-ion costs.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: Li-ion batteries benefit from over 30 years of production optimization, with current prices around $100–$150 per kWh, sometimes cited as low as about $58-$120 per kWh depending on the chemistry and scale.
Future Cost Projections
- Experts forecast that, by 2030, solid-state battery prices could fall to around $80–$90 per kWh due to scaling and improvements, potentially becoming competitive with or even cheaper than conventional Li-ion batteries at that time.
- Some longer-term studies suggest solid-state batteries might reach cost parity or become slightly cheaper than Li-ion, assuming successful ramp-up and manufacturing optimization. For instance, projections place future SSB costs near or below $100 per kWh while Li-ion stays near $120 per kWh.
Key Reasons for Cost Differences
- Manufacturing Scale: Li-ion batteries have large-scale, highly optimized production lines, driving down costs; SSBs are still in early stages with limited production volume and process maturity.
- Materials: SSBs use solid electrolytes (often ceramics) that require ultra-pure materials, increasing cost; however, they use less cobalt (about 40% less), which may reduce raw material expenses.
- Technological Maturity: Lithium-ion is a well-established, widely used technology, while solid-state batteries are emerging with higher initial costs due to novel and complex manufacturing processes.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Solid-State Batteries | Lithium-Ion Batteries |
|---|---|---|
| Current Cost per kWh | $800–$1,200, $400–$800 | $100–$150, sometimes as low as $58 |
| Projected Cost (2030) | $80–$90 | ~$100–$120 |
| Production Scale | Limited, emerging technology | Large scale, mature |
| Raw Material Use | Less cobalt, needs ultra-pure ceramics | Standard cathode materials with cobalt |
| Cost Trend | High, but rapidly declining | Lower, stable or slowly declining |
In conclusion, solid-state batteries are currently much more expensive—up to eight times the cost of lithium-ion batteries—but are expected to become cost-competitive by around 2030 due to technological advances and scaling of manufacturing.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-the-costs-of-solid-state-batteries-compare-to-lithium-ion-batteries/
