Hyundai Delays Solid-State EV Battery Launch as Competitors Advance
Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Kia, has announced that it does not anticipate the launch of solid-state electric vehicle (EV) batteries until at least 2030. The company has expressed that there is “a lot of uncertainty” surrounding this promising new battery technology. Meanwhile, competitors like Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Stellantis, Honda, and Chinese battery manufacturers CATL and BYD are vying to be the first to bring this “holy grail” of battery technology to market.
Hyundai’s Timeline for Solid-State Batteries
During Kia’s 2025 EV Day, Spencer Cho, Hyundai Motor’s global production planning chief, highlighted the complexities involved in developing solid-state battery technology. He stated, “I don’t think we can commercialize these batteries before 2030,” indicating that the timeline for readiness is still unclear. Cho added, “Once our engineers believe that we have credible technologies that we can bring, then we might produce them on our own.”
In the meantime, Hyundai and Kia are focusing on enhancing existing battery technologies, such as lower-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC).
Competitors Making Strides
While Hyundai and Kia are still in the early stages, other companies are actively working on solid-state battery technologies. Mercedes-Benz recently announced it has begun testing the “world’s first” production EV powered by a solid-state battery. This modified EQS is expected to achieve a range of over 621 miles. Mercedes has collaborated with US-based Factorial Energy since 2021 to develop this new technology, unveiling the advanced “Solstice” battery, which promises an 80% increase in driving range compared to current lithium-ion batteries.
Stellantis is also making progress, planning to launch a fleet of electric Dodge Chargers in 2026 using Factorial’s FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology), which boasts an energy density exceeding 390 Wh/kg.
Developments in Japan and China
Japanese automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are also heavily invested in solid-state battery technology. Honda recently showcased its all-solid-state battery demo production line. In collaboration with Japanese oil giant Idemitsu, Toyota aims to commercialize its solid-state batteries, with plans for large-scale lithium sulfide production to support this initiative. Both companies are targeting commercial production to begin in 2027 or 2028, with mass production anticipated by 2030 or later.
In China, battery leaders CATL and BYD are also advancing their solid-state technology. BYD expects to launch its first all-solid-state battery-powered EV by 2027, although it shares the general expectation that mass production will not commence until 2030 at the earliest.
Looking Ahead
Local reports indicate that Hyundai plans to unveil its all-solid-state battery pilot line in March, suggesting that more information could be forthcoming soon. As the competition heats up, it remains to be seen which company will successfully bring solid-state batteries to market first.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/hyundai-and-kia-delay-solid-state-ev-battery-launch-to-2030-as-competitors-advance/
