Key Takeaways
1. Major companies are committing to solid-state batteries in electric vehicles by 2027, with some using semi solid-state batteries now.
2. Semi solid-state batteries, initially for high-end models, are becoming more affordable and accessible to mainstream vehicles.
3. The MG4 hatch will be the first affordable car featuring a semi solid-state battery, priced at $15,000 in China.
4. Leading automakers like BMW and Mercedes are planning mass production of solid-state batteries, enhancing vehicle range and safety.
5. CATL predicts that true solid-state batteries will not be widespread in mass-market vehicles until after 2030, with 95% solid electrolyte batteries serving as a transitional solution.
Solid-state batteries, including their commercial version that features 95% solid electrolyte, are gradually transitioning from research and development into actual production lines and usable vehicles. This shift is happening ahead of the 2027 target set by the industry.
Electric Vehicle Commitments
Major companies like Toyota, Samsung, CATL, and BYD have committed to introducing electric vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries by 2027. However, a transitional technology known as the semi solid-state battery, which consists of 95% solid and just 5% liquid electrolyte, is already being used in electric cars today.
Premium to Mass Market
Initially, semi solid-state batteries were exclusive to high-end electric vehicles, such as the NIO ET9 sedan, which can travel 650 miles on a single charge thanks to its 150 kWh semi solid-state battery. This battery was developed by NIO in collaboration with a startup called WeLion, after CATL expressed concerns about costs. NIO’s chief revealed that the nearly solid electrolyte battery pack is as expensive as some of their less costly cars. To manage this, NIO opted for a battery rental system for extended summer trips, utilizing its battery swap technology, which now sees around 100,000 swaps daily in just a few minutes.
Cost Reductions and New Models
Over time, increased production has led to significant price reductions for these batteries, making them viable for mainstream electric vehicles. The MG4 hatch, set to be revealed on August 5, will be the first affordable electric car featuring a semi solid-state battery, priced at $15,000 for the top version in China.
The QingTao Energy battery utilizes a nearly solid electrolyte that contains only 5% of a flammable liquid, enhancing safety compared to conventional lithium batteries that use all-liquid electrolytes. The 70 kWh battery pack of the MG4 has successfully passed necessary shock, puncture, and thermal runaway tests. According to MG, its battery chemistry offers 14% improved capacity retention in cold conditions, which extends the vehicle’s range in freezing temperatures.
Industry Developments
Both BMW and a subsidiary of Mercedes have unveiled plans for mass production of solid-state batteries that contain 95% solid electrolyte. Svolt will begin trial production of an affordable semi solid-state battery for the next-gen BMW Mini in the next quarter. Meanwhile, Farasis Energy, supported by Mercedes, is setting up a pilot production line for sulfide solid-state batteries.
Mercedes was the pioneer in incorporating a solid-state battery into a production electric vehicle platform, retrofitting the EQS sports sedan with a battery pack that allows for a range of 620 miles on a single charge. This solid-state battery in the EQS boasts 25% higher energy density compared to the older battery pack, yet Mercedes has not disclosed the cost of this development.
Future Perspectives
CATL, the leading battery manufacturer, believes that true solid-state batteries will not become widespread in mass-market vehicles until after 2030. However, they assert that batteries with 95% solid electrolyte can act as a transitional solution until then. Historically, CATL’s forecasts have been accurate, as evidenced by the upcoming launch of the first affordable electric vehicle featuring a semi solid-state battery.
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