Solid-State Batteries Set to Revolutionize EVs with 1500 km Range and Triple Charging Speed

Range of 1500 kilometers and charging speed tripled? Solid-state batteries are about to reach a singular moment.

On April 10, SAIC Group dropped a significant announcement during its “SAIC Night” event: “Our next-generation all-solid-state battery will enter mass production by the end of this year, with the ‘Guangqi Battery’ officially launching in 2027.” This brief statement transformed the discussion of solid-state batteries—previously a topic limited to labs and industry experts—into a focal point for the public.

Developed in collaboration with Qingtao Energy, this solid-state battery boasts an energy density exceeding 400Wh/kg, significantly surpassing traditional batteries in terms of power storage. Additionally, its volumetric energy density reaches 820Wh/L, offering a clear advantage in space utilization, which can greatly enhance automotive design and lightweighting efforts. In terms of safety, this solid-state battery has achieved “zero ignitions and zero explosions” during puncture tests and in a 200°C heat chamber, allaying common safety concerns surrounding battery technology. Furthermore, its low-temperature performance shows a capacity retention rate of over 90%, with only a 10% reduction in range at a frigid -20°C, thereby expanding the usability of electric vehicles in cold climates.

Technological breakthroughs in solid-state batteries are not isolated events. Just three days before SAIC’s announcement, Ganfeng Lithium, the world’s largest lithium mining company, announced the official launch of its 4GWh solid-state battery production line, with the Dongfeng E70 taxi already completing 2.3 million kilometers of road testing, providing robust data for real-world applications. On the international front, Toyota and Panasonic’s joint venture, Prime Planet Energy & Solutions, also announced plans to accelerate the mass production of solid-state batteries to 2027, targeting a range of 1200 kilometers, which injects a powerful impetus for global solid-state battery development.

Technical Revolution: A Paradigm Shift from Liquid to Solid

The emergence of solid-state batteries fundamentally disrupts the underlying architecture of traditional lithium batteries, leading to comprehensive changes in material systems, performance metrics, and manufacturing processes. The research and development of solid-state batteries explores three main technological routes: sulfides, oxides, and polymers, each showcasing unique strengths in this technological race.

1.1 Disruption of Material Systems

Industry giants like Toyota and CATL are focusing on the sulfide route, which stands out due to its high ionic conductivity (10^-2S/cm), closely resembling that of liquid batteries. High ionic conductivity facilitates smoother ion movement within the battery, enhancing charging and discharging efficiency. Laboratory data indicates that this sulfide route can achieve energy densities exceeding 500Wh/kg. However, sulfide materials generate toxic hydrogen sulfide gas upon contact with water, necessitating stringent production environment controls to maintain absolute dryness and an oxygen-free atmosphere, significantly raising production costs and technical challenges.

BYD has opted for the oxide route, utilizing lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO) as a representative oxide electrolyte that excels in thermal stability. Under high-temperature conditions, oxide electrolytes maintain stable structures and performance, avoiding issues like performance degradation or structural collapse seen with other materials. This characteristic provides a unique advantage when paired with high nickel ternary cathodes, which enhance battery energy density but demand high thermal stability. The combination of oxide electrolytes with high-nickel materials offers a reliable solution for improving overall battery performance. SAIC’s choice of the polymer route also stands out, as polymer materials possess flexible ionic transport structures that enhance process compatibility. Compared to traditional liquid battery production processes, the polymer route better adapts to existing production equipment and processes, reducing the costs and challenges of manufacturing transformation.

1.2 Leap in Performance Metrics

Compared to traditional liquid lithium batteries, solid-state batteries achieve a qualitative leap in performance metrics. Current mainstream liquid batteries offer an energy density of about 250-300Wh/kg, while solid-state battery samples in laboratories have surpassed 600Wh/kg, leading to significant improvements in the range of electric vehicles. Chery’s “Kunpeng All-Solid-State Battery” aims for a range of 1500 kilometers, addressing the long-standing concern of insufficient range for electric vehicles. GAC Aion’s Haopu model plans to feature a solid-state battery that achieves over 1000 kilometers of range by 2026, alleviating range anxiety for consumers during urban commutes and short trips.

Safety has always been a core concern in the development of electric vehicles. The non-flammable nature of solid electrolytes demonstrates high safety during extreme tests like punctures and compressions. BYD’s tests indicate that its solid-state batteries reduce thermal runaway risk by 90% compared to liquid batteries. In puncture tests, traditional liquid batteries may leak electrolyte and short-circuit, potentially causing fires or explosions, while solid-state batteries maintain stability without flammable electrolytes, even under puncture stress. Furthermore, solid-state batteries can withstand greater pressure without safety incidents during compression tests, ensuring safer operation of electric vehicles.

Fast charging capability is another crucial performance indicator, and solid-state batteries exhibit significant potential in this area. Toyota plans for its solid-state battery model, expected to launch in 2027, to support a rapid charging capacity of 1200 kilometers in just 10 minutes, tripling the current electric vehicle charging speeds. This will greatly enhance the convenience of electric vehicle usage, allowing for quick stops at highway service areas to recharge enough energy for thousands of kilometers of travel, making electric vehicles more comparable to gasoline cars.

1.3 Transformation of Production Processes

The traditional wet coating process used in liquid batteries has begun to reveal its limitations in meeting the production demands of solid-state batteries. This process requires substantial solvents to dissolve electrode materials and binders, followed by a series of complex drying procedures. The energy consumption of this process is significant, and the recovery and treatment of solvents pose environmental challenges. To address these issues, various companies are investing in R&D to explore new manufacturing processes suited for solid-state batteries. CATL has developed dry electrode technology, offering a new perspective on solid-state battery production. This technology directly mixes solid electrolyte powder with active materials, eliminating the need for solvents and their recovery, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption and environmental pollution while improving production efficiency. Estimates suggest that dry electrode technology can lower energy consumption by over 30%.

Qingtao Energy has taken a different approach by developing magnetron sputtering technology. This technique enables the deposition of solid electrolyte films with nanometer-level precision, allowing for precise control over the thickness and quality of the electrolyte films. In solid-state batteries, the quality of contact between the solid electrolyte and electrodes directly affects performance and lifespan. The precise film deposition from magnetron sputtering enhances the contact quality at the solid-solid interface, thereby improving overall battery performance.

2. Industry Race: Automakers and Capital in an “Arms Race”

2.1 Strategic Positioning by Automakers

Automakers worldwide are leveraging solid-state batteries as a strategic pivot, fully committing to this technological revolution to secure competitive advantages. BYD has historically invested heavily in battery technology development, with plans to initiate a demonstration project for sulfide solid-state batteries by 2027, targeting an energy density of 400Wh/kg. In its solid-state battery R&D, BYD emphasizes deep research into material systems and collaboration with upstream and downstream companies, integrating resources to enhance its competitiveness in this field. Changan Automobile is also making strides with its “Jinzhongzhao” battery, aiming for mass production in 2027 with a target range exceeding 1500 kilometers. Changan’s approach involves combining industry, academia, and research, collaborating with renowned domestic universities and research institutions to tackle technical challenges while investing in advanced solid-state battery production lines.

On the international stage, Mercedes-Benz has partnered with Factorial Energy to launch a solid-state battery-equipped EQS model by 2026. This collaboration allows Mercedes to leverage Factorial Energy’s strengths in solid-state battery technology while applying its extensive experience in automotive design and manufacturing.

2.2 Restructuring the Supply Chain

The industrialization of solid-state batteries triggers a comprehensive restructuring of the power battery supply chain. In the upstream material sector, the surge in demand for lithium, sulfur, and silicon due to solid-state batteries presents new growth opportunities. As a core material, the demand for lithium will skyrocket in the era of solid-state batteries.

Major lithium mining companies like Tianqi Lithium and Ganfeng Lithium are ramping up global lithium mining efforts while actively investing in the R&D and production of solid-state battery materials. For example, Ganfeng has achieved significant breakthroughs in lithium metal anode materials and has established close partnerships with upstream and downstream companies to ensure a stable supply of raw materials. Moreover, the widespread use of the sulfide route in solid-state battery research has led to an explosive increase in demand for zirconium materials, which play a critical role in stabilizing structures and enhancing performance in sulfide electrolytes. Consequently, some companies are increasing investments in zirconium mining and processing while also developing new zirconium-based materials to meet the evolving needs of the solid-state battery industry.

In the midstream equipment sector, traditional lithium battery equipment is increasingly inadequate for solid-state battery production, necessitating a comprehensive upgrade. Dry electrode coating and magnetron sputtering deposition technologies are becoming focal points in the market. Companies like Xiandai Intelligent and Yinghe Technology are keenly capturing this market opportunity, increasing their investments in R&D for specialized equipment for solid-state battery production. Xiandai Intelligent has released a series of complete line solutions tailored for solid-state battery production, including dry electrode production lines and solid electrolyte coating equipment, which enable highly automated and intelligent production, increasing efficiency and product quality. Yinghe Technology is also making strides by developing solid-state battery production equipment with independent intellectual property rights, providing robust support for the solid-state battery industry’s development.

In the downstream application field, the use of solid-state batteries is expanding continuously. Beyond widespread applications in the new energy vehicle sector, solid-state batteries are also making inroads into energy storage, eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft, and drones. Ganfeng Lithium’s 21700 cylindrical solid-state battery, with an energy density ranging from 330-400Wh/kg, has successfully adapted to low-altitude economic scenarios due to its high energy density and excellent safety performance. In energy storage, the long lifespan, high safety, and high energy density of solid-state batteries make them ideal for large-scale energy storage systems. Several companies are already constructing energy storage stations based on solid-state batteries to adjust the power grid’s peak and valley differences and enhance the stability of the power system.

2.3 Strong Policy Support

Recognizing the importance of solid-state batteries in promoting new energy industries and achieving energy transformation, governments worldwide are introducing a series of policies to robustly support the development of the solid-state battery industry. China has included solid-state batteries in its 14th Five-Year Plan for strategic emerging industries, clarifying their significance at the national strategic level. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has initiated the construction of a standard system for solid-state batteries, aiming to guide enterprises in standardized production, improve product quality, and promote the healthy and orderly development of the solid-state battery industry. Local governments are also rolling out supportive policies; for instance, Guangdong Province offers subsidies of up to 30 million yuan for investments in solid-state battery equipment, motivating companies to upgrade and transform their production equipment.

In Europe, the EU has launched the European Battery Innovation Program, investing 500 million euros annually to support R&D in advanced battery technologies like solid-state batteries. This initiative aims to consolidate research efforts across European nations, strengthen industry-academia-research collaboration, and drive technological breakthroughs in solid-state batteries. With government funding leading the charge, European research institutions and enterprises are increasing investments in solid-state battery R&D, achieving significant advancements in material systems and production processes. The U.S. is also taking action, with the Inflation Reduction Act providing tax credits and other incentives for solid-state battery companies, reducing operational costs and enhancing profitability, thereby attracting more capital into the solid-state battery industry.

3. Commercialization Challenges: Crossing the “Valley of Death” from Lab to Mass Production

3.1 Technical Bottlenecks to Overcome

Despite significant advancements in solid-state battery technology R&D, numerous technical bottlenecks still hinder large-scale commercial production. One major challenge is the interfacial impedance between solid components. In solid-state batteries, the contact resistance between the solid electrolyte and electrodes is over 100 times that of traditional liquid batteries. This high impedance severely impacts the charging and discharging efficiency and performance of the battery. To address this issue, the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed “Atomic Layer Deposition” technology that creates a nanoscale buffer layer at the solid-solid interface. This buffer layer exhibits excellent ionic conductivity and interfacial compatibility, effectively reducing contact resistance and bringing impedance down to below 5Ω·cm². This technology significantly enhances charging and discharging efficiency and extends the battery’s lifecycle.

Pitfalls with lithium dendrite growth also pose a significant concern for solid-state battery development. While dendrite growth is already a safety and lifespan issue in traditional liquid lithium batteries, solid-state electrolytes possess greater mechanical strength but may still allow lithium dendrites to form during charge and discharge cycles. The growth of these dendrites can puncture the solid electrolyte, leading to internal short circuits and safety hazards. CATL has adopted “in-situ lithium replenishment” technology to tackle this challenge. This technique involves adding a special lithium source to the electrolyte, which can release lithium ions during charging and discharging to dynamically repair the negative electrode structure and suppress dendrite growth, thereby improving battery safety and stability.

The complexity of production processes is another key factor constraining the commercialization of solid-state batteries. For instance, sulfide electrolytes require stringent production conditions, necessitating a water-free and oxygen-free environment, significantly increasing production costs. Currently, the production cost of sulfide electrolytes ranges from 10,000 to 40,000 yuan/kg. To reduce costs, Toyota has developed “dry mixing” technology that directly mixes sulfide powder with binders, eliminating the use of solvents and the need for complicated environmental controls, thereby greatly lowering production costs and difficulties.

3.2 High Costs

Currently, the cost of solid-state batteries ranges from 1.9 to 6.2 yuan/Wh, which is 4 to 5 times that of traditional liquid batteries. A battery pack with a capacity of 100 kWh exceeds 200,000 yuan in material costs. This high cost presents substantial challenges for market adoption. Elevated costs not only result in higher vehicle prices, increasing consumer purchase costs, but also restrict the application of solid-state batteries in cost-sensitive fields like large-scale energy storage. With ongoing technological advancements and the push for scalable production, trends in reducing solid-state battery costs are becoming evident. As sulfide electrolytes move toward mass production and advanced manufacturing technologies like dry processing become widespread, it is anticipated that by 2030, the cost of solid-state batteries could drop below 0.4 yuan/Wh, nearing or even falling below the cost levels of liquid batteries. This would provide solid-state batteries with a competitive edge in pricing, laying a solid foundation for widespread commercial application.

3.3 Market Acceptance Challenges

Consumer perceptions of solid-state batteries often diverge from reality, complicating the commercialization of these technologies. Research indicates that 65% of consumers mistakenly believe that solid-state batteries have already achieved mass production. In reality, the first vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries are not expected until 2027, and these models are projected to cost over 1 million yuan. In promotional efforts, some automakers have experienced a disconnect between “concept car” marketing and actual production timelines, which has somewhat eroded market trust. Consumers, influenced by various solid-state battery promotions, may develop unrealistic expectations, leading to disappointment when the actual product rollout is slow and expensive, affecting their willingness to purchase solid-state battery products.

4. Future Outlook: Ecological Reconstruction of Solid-State Batteries

4.1 New Paths of Technological Integration

Solid-state batteries are evolving in conjunction with other cutting-edge technologies to create a new ecosystem in transportation and energy sectors. The integration with 800V high-voltage platforms provides a broader space for solid-state battery performance enhancement. Solid-state batteries inherently feature high-rate characteristics, enabling quick charging and discharging, while 800V platforms help reduce current and thermal resistance losses, thus improving charging efficiency. This combination can facilitate experiences such as “charging for 5 minutes, achieving a range of 200 kilometers.”

Porsche’s Mission R concept car exemplifies this technological synergy, as its high-performance solid-state battery collaborates with an 800V high-voltage architecture to drastically shorten charging times while enhancing overall vehicle performance, setting a benchmark for the future of high-performance electric vehicles. Such technological integration is bringing electric vehicles’ charging speeds closer to the convenience of refueling gasoline vehicles, potentially transforming consumer perceptions of electric vehicle range and charging convenience.

In the new energy sector, hydrogen fuel cells are also complementing solid-state batteries. For passenger vehicles, solid-state batteries, with their high energy density and relatively convenient charging, are well-suited for daily travel needs. In contrast, hydrogen fuel cells are ideal for commercial vehicles like heavy-duty trucks and long-distance buses due to their long range and quick refueling capabilities. In China, the complementary layout of a “Hydrogen Energy Highway” and ultra-fast charging networks is accelerating. Hydrogen stations are being built along highways to support long-distance operations for hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles, while densely laid ultra-fast charging stations in urban areas cater to the rapid charging needs of solid-state battery passenger vehicles. This “electric-hydrogen” hybrid energy ecosystem will leverage the strengths of both technologies, driving a comprehensive green transformation in the transportation industry.

The rise of AI technology is also injecting robust momentum into solid-state battery R&D. AI enhances research efficiency and lowers costs, allowing companies to introduce higher-performing solid-state battery products in shorter timeframes. Furthermore, during battery production, AI can be employed for quality inspection and process optimization, continuously monitoring various production stages to identify and resolve potential issues, ensuring product quality stability and consistency. CATL’s “Intelligent Material Design Platform” is a prime example of AI empowerment in battery R&D. Utilizing machine learning algorithms, the platform can analyze and predict vast amounts of material data, quickly identifying promising electrolyte formulas and significantly reducing the original 18-month R&D cycle to just 3 months.

4.2 Reshaping the Industry Landscape

The rise of solid-state batteries is shaking up the traditional automotive industry structure, leading to a comprehensive reshaping. Automakers that achieve mass production of solid-state batteries first will establish technological barriers in market competition. Industry leaders such as BYD and Toyota, equipped with substantial R&D capabilities and robust supply chain resources, have made early investments in the solid-state battery field, vertically integrating the entire supply chain from raw material supply to battery production and vehicle manufacturing. This positioning equips them with stronger resilience against market fluctuations and enhanced cost control, allowing rapid application of cutting-edge solid-state battery technology in their models to attract consumers and solidify their market positions. Conversely, some smaller automakers, lacking technological accumulation and capital investment, may gradually fall behind in the race for solid-state battery technology and become mere “OEMs,” reliant on providing services to larger companies for survival, thus losing their autonomy in innovation and market competition.

Battery manufacturers are also facing a brutal reshuffling. CATL, which dominated in the liquid battery era, enjoys significant advantages in technology and market share but is encountering challenges from various fronts in the solid-state battery sector. New players focused on solid-state battery development, such as Weilan New Energy and Huineng Technology, are rapidly capturing market share with unique technological routes and innovative business models. Weilan has achieved multiple key breakthroughs in the oxide solid electrolyte field, while Huineng is developing flexible solid-state batteries for emerging sectors like wearables and foldable smartphones, gaining prominence in niche markets. The rise of these new enterprises disrupts the monopolistic structure of the traditional battery market, accelerating technological innovation and product upgrades across the industry.

For materials companies, the development of solid-state batteries presents unprecedented opportunities. Sulfide electrolyte manufacturers, like Asahi Kasei in Japan, have become crucial players in the solid-state battery supply chain due to their strong background in sulfide material R&D and production. With the expanding application of sulfide routes in solid-state batteries, Asahi Kasei has seen significant increases in market demand and profitability. Similarly, lithium metal anode suppliers like Ganfeng Lithium are benefiting from trends in solid-state batteries, achieving notable advancements in lithium metal anode material innovation and production capacity, fulfilling their solid-state battery production needs while also supplying high-quality raw materials to other battery manufacturers, further solidifying their leading position in the global lithium industry. Additionally, companies specializing in new materials are entering the solid-state battery field, aiming to carve out a niche by developing materials with unique properties, such as high ionic conductivity ceramics and new composite polymers.

4.3 Policy and Capital Dynamics

Government policies play a crucial role in shaping the development paths of solid-state battery technologies, with different countries formulating distinctive policy directions based on their resource endowments, industrial foundations, and strategic goals, thereby creating a diversified technological development landscape. As the world’s largest market for new energy vehicles and battery production, China is concentrating its national research strengths on the sulfide route through innovative mechanisms like “open competitions.” This decision is rooted in the sulfide route’s potential for high energy density and fast charging performance, coupled with China’s existing capabilities in related material R&D and production. With government funding and policy support, numerous domestic research institutions and enterprises are diving into the R&D of sulfide solid-state batteries, achieving important breakthroughs in material synthesis, interface modification, and production processes, driving rapid development of the sulfide route domestically.

The EU, on the other hand, favors a parallel development strategy for oxides and polymers. With a robust foundation in materials science research and a mature automotive industry, the EU possesses deep technical expertise in both oxide and polymer materials. Through policy tools like the European Battery Innovation Program, the EU encourages companies and research institutions to advance both technological routes, maximizing their respective advantages for diversified technological development. This strategy mitigates R&D risks while providing varied battery solutions for different applications. The U.S., leveraging its strong technological prowess and abundant capital resources, is focusing on lithium metal anode technology, which is key to enhancing battery energy density. The U.S. government is attracting substantial capital into lithium metal anodes and related solid-state battery technologies through tax credits and research funding, leading numerous American tech companies and academic research teams to explore innovations in this area, advancing lithium metal anode technology.

In capital terms, the solid-state battery sector has become a hot investment area. In 2024, financing in this sector is projected to exceed 30 billion yuan, with 60% directed toward the sulfide route. The influx of capital provides ample funding for solid-state battery technology development and industrialization, accelerating innovation and product iteration. However, this also intensifies competition among different technological routes. The profit-driven nature of capital means that investors focus more on projects capable of achieving technological breakthroughs and commercial viability in the short term, which can influence the direction and pace of technological development. Additionally, concentrated capital investment may lead to overheating in certain technological routes and potential overcapacity issues, necessitating guidance and regulation from the government and industry associations to ensure rational capital allocation and healthy industry growth.

4.4 The “Singularity Moment” for Solid-State Batteries

2027 is set to be a pivotal year in the industrialization process of solid-state batteries. As the first vehicles equipped with all-solid-state batteries roll off production lines, the automotive industry will witness a transformative “singularity moment.” The long-standing issue of “range anxiety” faced by electric vehicle consumers is expected to be fundamentally resolved. With an impressive range of 1500 kilometers, these vehicles will adequately meet the cross-province travel needs of most consumers, making electric vehicles a genuinely reliable mode of transportation. Simultaneously, charging times will be significantly reduced to 10 minutes, comparable to refueling gasoline vehicles, which will fundamentally alter consumer travel habits, allowing electric vehicles to surpass gasoline cars in terms of convenience. Consumers will no longer need to meticulously plan charging stops before long journeys or endure prolonged wait times, making electric vehicles the preferred choice for daily commutes and long trips, greatly enhancing travel freedom and convenience.

The reconstruction of safety trust will also unfold alongside the proliferation of solid-state batteries. The zero-self-ignition characteristic will become a new hallmark of electric vehicles, effectively eliminating consumer fears and concerns regarding battery safety. Insurance companies may keenly recognize this shift and introduce specialized insurance products for solid-state batteries, setting more reasonable premium rates based on the high safety characteristics of these batteries, further reducing costs for consumers. This will not only enhance consumer confidence in purchasing electric vehicles but also foster healthy development within the electric vehicle insurance market, creating a positive cycle.

The energy system will also undergo profound changes due to the widespread adoption of solid-state batteries. With the rapid growth in demand for electric vehicle charging and significant improvements in charging speeds, the power grid faces immense upgrade pressures. To meet the needs for high-power fast charging, the grid will need to enhance smart grid construction, improve power allocation and management capabilities, and increase investments in charging infrastructure. From a geopolitical perspective, the development of solid-state batteries will reshape global resource dynamics and geopolitical relationships. As demand for lithium resources doubles, countries rich in lithium reserves, such as those in Africa and South America, will gain substantial influence in the global energy market. These countries will leverage their resource advantages to play a more significant role in the global lithium supply chain, leading to more frequent and closer economic ties and political interactions with battery-producing and automotive-manufacturing countries. As the world’s largest consumer of lithium and battery producer, China, with its complete industrial chain and strong R&D capabilities, is poised to solidify its position in this global resource competition. By strengthening collaborations with resource-rich nations and enhancing resource security while driving technological innovation to improve lithium resource utilization efficiency, China aims to maintain a leading edge in the global solid-state battery industry and further amplify its influence in the global energy sector. However, we must remain realistic, recognizing that this technological revolution will not happen overnight. As Academician Ouyang Minggao points out, solid-state batteries will undergo a gradual development process from “semi-solid to quasi-solid to fully solid,” with large-scale prevalence realistically expected only after 2030. Throughout this lengthy journey, numerous uncertainties and challenges exist between technical breakthroughs and industrialization, necessitating collaboration among automakers, battery manufacturers, materials companies, and research institutions to build an open and cooperative ecosystem. Only through collective effort, pooling wisdom and resources, can we cross the “valley of death” from the lab to large-scale commercial application and usher in a golden era for solid-state batteries, bringing new hope for sustainable development in the global automotive and energy sectors.