Key Takeaways
1. A new record for solid-state battery energy density has been set at 824 Wh/kg, surpassing the previous theoretical limit by 20%.
2. WeLion claims to have achieved 1,000 Wh/kg energy density, which is double the current standards, but this technology is not yet viable for large EV production.
3. Major companies like Samsung, CATL, and Toyota aim to launch solid-state batteries with 500 Wh/kg energy density by 2027, enabling electric vehicles to potentially travel 750 miles on a single charge.
4. WeLion’s existing 150 kWh packs are used in NIO vehicles, allowing ranges over 600 miles, but new advancements may exceed 1,000 miles once production is viable.
5. High energy density solid-state batteries may be more suitable for drones and robots due to their elevated costs, rather than for mainstream electric vehicles.
One of the leaders in solid-state battery technology has declared a new record for energy density at 824 Wh/kg. The earlier record holder, Cherry, recently revealed that it has developed a 600 Wh/kg solid-state battery that is set to go into mass production by 2027.
New Heights in Energy Density
This new achievement surpasses the previous theoretical limit by 20% due to innovative polymer electrolyte tech. However, it is still significantly less than WeLion’s claim of achieving 1,000 Wh/kg energy density, which is double the current ratings for solid-state battery technologies.
Big names like Samsung, CATL, and Toyota have expressed excitement about launching solid-state batteries that meet the previously theoretical maximum of 500 Wh/kg by 2027. These advancements could allow electric vehicles to travel 750 miles on a single charge while maintaining the same size as today’s batteries, like those in the Tesla Model Y, which currently offer a 300-mile range.
Real-World Applications
WeLion has already developed 150 kWh packs featuring 95% solid electrolyte that are currently being used in NIO vehicles such as the ET7 sedan, allowing them to achieve ranges exceeding 600 miles on one charge. Once WeLion’s new energy density breakthrough is ready for production, the same vehicle could potentially exceed 1,000 miles of range. Nevertheless, WeLion’s chairman warns that such battery packs will be very costly.
For example, the semi-solid electrolyte battery used in the NIO ET7 is priced comparably to an entire electric vehicle, which is why NIO only offers it for rental on longer summer trips at their battery swap stations. WeLion acknowledges that the 1,000 Wh/kg solid-state electrolyte technology it created in collaboration with BASF is not yet viable for large EV batteries, at least until it can be manufactured on a larger scale. However, applications like Tesla’s Optimus, where energy density and battery safety are crucial, could benefit greatly from this new technology.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
This aligns with insights from CATL, the world’s largest battery market player, and Panasonic, a key supplier for Tesla. Both companies share the perspective that solid-state batteries characterized by high energy density and elevated costs might be more appropriate for use in drones and robots, rather than electric vehicles, unless they target the luxury market.
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