In the rapidly evolving landscape of new energy vehicles, solid-state batteries are emerging as a pivotal technology set to revolutionize the market. As the core of the next generation of power battery technology, solid-state batteries promise enhanced safety, greater energy density, and longer life cycles compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Over recent years, key industry players have accelerated their research and development efforts, pushing solid-state batteries from the conceptual stage towards mass production. This article delves into the mass production timelines announced by major companies and examines the potential industry impact of these advancements.
Solid-State Batteries: A Game Changer in Energy Storage
Solid-state batteries replace the liquid or gel electrolyte found in conventional lithium-ion batteries with a solid electrolyte. This shift results in several advantages, including a lower risk of fire, higher energy density, and better performance at extreme temperatures. As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and other energy storage solutions continues to rise, solid-state batteries are poised to become the standard for the next generation of power storage.
CATL: Leading the Charge Towards Mass Production
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), a global leader in battery manufacturing, has been at the forefront of solid-state battery development. In April 2024, CATL unveiled its roadmap for all-solid-state battery production. According to Wu Kai, CATL’s chief scientist, the company’s research and development in this field currently stands at a maturity level of 4 on a scale of 1 to 9. By 2027, CATL aims to reach a maturity level of 7-8, which would allow for small-scale mass production. The company is also exploring various technology routes, with a focus on the sulfide electrolyte, which appears to be the most viable for initial mass production.
Gotion Hi-Tech: Pioneering High-Energy Density Batteries
Gotion Hi-Tech, another prominent player in the battery industry, introduced its first all-solid-state battery in May 2024. This battery boasts an energy density of 350Wh/kg, with the potential for the battery pack system to reach 280Wh/kg. Gotion’s chief engineer, Pan Ruijun, has set an ambitious goal: to have these batteries installed in vehicles for experimental purposes by 2027. If successful, full-scale mass production could be realized by 2030, marking a significant milestone in the industrialization of solid-state batteries.
EVE Energy: Strategic Timelines and Technological Advances
EVE Energy, a major Chinese battery manufacturer, disclosed its solid-state battery development plan in June 2024. EVE has opted for a sulfide and halide composite solid-state electrolyte technology route to tackle the manufacturing challenges associated with these batteries. The company has outlined a two-step timeline: by 2026, EVE expects to achieve a breakthrough in production processes, followed by the launch of high-power, environmentally tolerant solid-state batteries. These batteries, with a specific energy of 400Wh/kg, are anticipated to be available by 2028.
BYD: Integrating Solid-State Batteries into High-End Models
BYD, a leading name in the electric vehicle market, is reportedly working on a solid-state battery that combines high nickel ternary (monocrystalline) cathodes with silicon-based anodes and sulfide electrolytes. This combination is expected to deliver an energy density exceeding 280Wh/kg. BYD’s mass production schedule indicates that small-scale production may commence as early as 2027, with plans to equip around 1,000 vehicles with these batteries. By 2030, BYD aims to install solid-state batteries in 40,000 vehicles, with a further scale-up to 120,000 vehicles by 2033.
Sunwoda: Accelerating Production Capabilities
Sunwoda’s efforts in solid-state battery development have been marked by significant progress. In July 2024, Sunwoda announced its partnership with Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory to jointly build a solid-state battery R&D platform. Sunwoda has already tested its first-generation solid-state battery with an energy density of 400Wh/kg. The company is now developing a second-generation battery with even higher energy density. The design and construction of Sunwoda’s solid-state battery production line are underway, with mass production expected to begin in 2026.
Svolt: Targeting High-End Vehicle Applications
Svolt, focusing on the sulfide electrolyte route, has developed 20Ah all-solid-state batteries with an energy density of 380Wh/kg. The company’s mass production timeline aligns with the broader industry trend, with expectations to achieve 400Wh/kg batteries by 2030. These batteries are specifically designed for high-end vehicles with extended ranges of 800 to 1,000 kilometers.
GAC and SAIC: Pioneering Large-Scale Production
Both GAC Group and SAIC Motor have ambitious plans for solid-state battery mass production. GAC announced in April 2024 that its solid-state battery technology would enter mass production in 2026, with applications in Haobo models. These batteries are expected to offer energy densities of over 400Wh/kg and ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometers.
Similarly, SAIC Motor revealed its plans in May 2024 to mass-produce solid-state batteries based on polymer-inorganic composite electrolyte technology by 2026. The company aims to equip its new Zhiji vehicles with these batteries by 2027, pushing energy densities further to 500Wh/kg.
Chang’an Automobile: Early Adopter of Solid-State Technology
Chang’an Automobile has disclosed plans to begin mass production of solid-state batteries as early as 2025. With energy densities ranging from 350Wh/kg to 500Wh/kg, Chang’an aims to integrate these batteries across its vehicle lineup by 2030, making solid-state technology widely accessible.
Global Leaders: Toyota, Nissan, and Honda
Japanese automotive giants are also making significant strides in solid-state battery development. Toyota, with over 1,300 solid-state battery patents, plans to launch electric vehicles equipped with these batteries by 2027, with full-scale production following soon after. Nissan has set March 2025 as the date to begin its solid-state battery production process, with mass production scheduled for 2028. Honda, on the other hand, intends to establish a demonstration production line in 2024, with plans to introduce solid-state batteries in new models between 2025 and 2030.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Solid-State Batteries
The mass production of solid-state batteries is no longer a distant vision but an impending reality. With leading companies like CATL, Gotion Hi-Tech, BYD, and others setting clear timelines, the industry is on the cusp of a transformative shift. As these batteries move towards commercialization, the automotive and energy storage sectors will likely experience significant advancements in performance, safety, and sustainability. The next few years will be critical as these companies strive to overcome technical challenges and scale up production, ultimately making solid-state batteries the new standard in energy storage.