
The energy densities of solid-state batteries are significantly higher than those of conventional lithium-ion batteries, with solid-state batteries offering a range that can be roughly double or more that of lithium-ion.
Lithium-ion batteries typically have energy densities between 160 and 250 Wh/kg. For example, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry is around 160 Wh/kg, while nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry can reach about 250 Wh/kg.
Solid-state batteries (SSBs) show much greater potential:
- Thin-film solid-state batteries can reach from 300 up to 900 Wh/kg depending on the design.
- Bulk solid-state batteries range approximately from 250 to 500 Wh/kg.
- Recent advancements by companies like Samsung SDI have demonstrated solid-state batteries boasting about 500 Wh/kg, nearly doubling the typical lithium-ion range and allowing, for instance, a 600-mile driving range in EVs with ultra-fast charging capabilities.
To summarize the comparison:
| Feature | Lithium-ion Batteries | Solid-State Batteries |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Density | 160–250 Wh/kg | 250–900 Wh/kg (bulk to thin-film) |
| Example High Values | ~250 Wh/kg (NMC chemistry) | ~500 Wh/kg (Samsung SDI oxide SSB) |
| Commercial Status | Mature, widely used | Emerging, limited production |
| Advantages | Established, robust | Higher energy density, safer, faster charging potential |
This shows that solid-state batteries can provide roughly 1.5 to 3 times the energy density of lithium-ion batteries, depending on the specific type and design, with some thin-film types reaching as high as 900 Wh/kg, though bulk types are more commonly in the 250-500 Wh/kg range.
Hence, solid-state batteries promise a significant leap in energy storage capacity, enhanced safety due to non-flammable solid electrolytes, and faster charging possibilities, although they still face production challenges before large-scale commercialization.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-the-energy-densities-of-solid-state-and-lithium-ion-batteries-compare/
