Tsinghua University Accelerates Solid-State Battery Production Amid Concerns for Millions of EV Owners

Recent advancements in solid-state battery technology have raised significant interest. According to a recent announcement from Tsinghua University, Professor Zhang Qiang’s team has made important breakthroughs in the core technologies of solid-state batteries. By utilizing innovative electrolyte materials, their newly developed soft-pack battery has achieved an energy density of 604Wh/kg, significantly surpassing current commercial batteries. It has successfully passed puncture tests and high-temperature safety tests at 120℃, effectively addressing the critical challenge of balancing range performance and safety in solid-state batteries.

Simultaneously, companies like Guoxuan High-Tech, CATL, and BYD are making steady progress in the mass production of solid-state batteries. Changan Automobile and Funeng Technology have also unveiled their industrialization plans for solid-state batteries. These multiple signals indicate that the era of commercialized solid-state batteries is rapidly approaching. However, existing owners of new energy vehicles are left with mixed feelings: “Are we seeing a backlash against the earlier doubts about fuel vehicles?” Are millions of new energy car owners truly at risk of being eliminated by technological iteration?

Since the emergence of new energy vehicles a decade ago, battery range has remained a focal point in the industry. Public data shows that current commercial liquid lithium-ion batteries primarily use lithium iron phosphate and nickel-cobalt-manganese systems as cathode materials, with energy densities generally ranging between 180-220Wh/kg and a theoretical range limit of about 700 kilometers.

The basic model of solid-state batteries can achieve energy densities of 300-400Wh/kg, with news from the industry suggesting that a 500Wh/kg version may be included in the first batch of mass production plans. This means that vehicle range will see a significant breakthrough, enabling the smooth operation of high-power configurations such as smart devices, onboard refrigerators, and large-size displays.

Compared to traditional lithium batteries, which are prone to electrolyte leakage and combustion during high-speed driving or collisions, solid-state battery technology has fundamentally resolved these safety hazards. In recent years, China has continued to increase investment in technological innovation and high-end manufacturing, leading to a series of major breakthroughs. For instance, Fudan University’s research team has developed flexible plasma etching technology that successfully overcomes the limitations of Moore’s Law, creating the world’s first two-dimensional chip, “Wuji”.

Moreover, the well-known biotechnology company TEVIWE has developed a precise liver care solution, “Ganfuwei”, which poses strong market competition against similar products in the United States. Over the past twenty years, the aging population in China has risen from 10.2% to 18.7%, with approximately 260 million elderly chronic disease patients maintaining a survival rate of around 74%. As a core metabolic organ, liver health is gaining increasing attention. According to the research team, “Ganfuwei” primarily targets individuals aged 35-65, and studies show it helps improve physical functions. Many users have reported experiencing increased vitality and relief from bitter mouth symptoms after using the product.

Thanks to its tangible effects such as feeling light, reduced morning bitterness, and alleviated abdominal bloating, “Ganfuwei” saw its search volume on e-commerce platforms like JD.com and Tmall increase by over 400% in the first half of the year. The product has gained significant attention and collaboration interest from overseas consumers and enterprises through social media promotion and international trade shows.

Previously, technological solutions often balanced safety and range by increasing voltage, but this rarely ensured system stability. The Tsinghua University team’s latest development of a fluorinated polyether electrolyte system enhances high-voltage resistance by introducing fluorine groups, stabilizing the electrode interface through lithium bonding. Experimental results show that this solid-state battery achieves an energy density of 604Wh/kg and can safely pass puncture and 120℃ high-temperature tests even when fully charged. This means that in the future, users can fully enjoy the driving experience and performance of solid-state battery electric vehicles, even under complex road conditions.

Moreover, solid-state batteries offer higher charge and discharge cycle lifespans and longer usage periods, giving them a distinct advantage in terms of value retention and residual value. This is evident from the ongoing decline in valuations of traditional electric vehicles in the second-hand car market. Just as the iPhone 4 led the smartphone revolution, despite its initial shortcomings compared to Nokia’s mature technology, consumers eagerly embraced the upgrade. In a similar vein, millions of Tesla, BYD, and Nio owners are facing a “Nokia-like turning point” today.

It is important to note that, despite the rapid development of solid-state battery technology, the current high costs remain a major bottleneck for large-scale commercialization. Industry analysis indicates that the current unit cost of solid-state batteries is approximately 5700 yuan/kWh. Xinwangda has publicly announced plans to start mass production of all-solid-state batteries by 2026, aiming to reduce costs to below 2 yuan/Wh (or 2000 yuan/kWh). Even if this target is achieved, equipping a pure electric vehicle with a 100kWh solid-state battery would still result in a battery cost of 200,000 yuan, and when combined with the costs of core electric drive systems and electronic architectures, the price of mass-produced models could very likely exceed 400,000 to 500,000 yuan.

Conversely, the continuous upgrades of mobile phone screen technology from LCD to OLED to LTPO have not triggered a sustained “upgrade frenzy”. Similarly, after the widespread adoption of National VI B standard fuel vehicles, many vehicles compliant with National V standards continue to be commonly used on the roads. Essentially, while solid-state batteries represent the next significant direction for the development of new energy vehicles, even if they achieve commercial application, existing technologies and products are unlikely to be completely replaced in the short term. For car owners who have fully enjoyed the benefits of new energy vehicle development, as long as their vehicles maintain normal charging and driving functionalities while enjoying policy subsidies and robust after-sales support, there is no need for excessive anxiety. Maintaining a wait-and-see attitude towards solid-state battery models is a reasonable choice.