Who's Leading the Race for Solid-State and Semi-Solid Batteries?

Volkswagen Group recently announced promising test results with solid-state cells for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), marking a significant win for the German manufacturer as it strives to make BEVs more efficient and cost-effective. The solid-state prototypes from VW's U.S. partner, QuantumScape Corp., "significantly exceeded" industry targets in recent tests. During these tests, the cell exhibited only a 5% loss in storage capacity after more than 1000 charging cycles, equivalent to approximately 499,808 kilometers on the road. These results are particularly encouraging, as the industry targets for this development phase are 700 charging cycles and a maximum capacity loss of 20%.

However, while VW and other European brands are making strides, Chinese manufacturers are not standing still. Companies such as GAC Group and Changan Automobile have outlined their respective timelines for manufacturing solid-state batteries, entering the global competition to bring this potentially transformative technology to the BEV market.

A notable example is NIO , which tested its new 150 kWh semi-solid battery in an ET7, achieving 650 miles (approximately 1,046 kilometers) on a single charge. This feat was accomplished by a group of drivers, including Nio's founder and CEO, William Li, highlighting the impressive capabilities of the technology.

By the end of 2023, it is expected that 10 Chinese electric passenger vehicles will use advanced semi-solid-state batteries (ASSB), marking a significant milestone for vehicle electrification and underlining China's leadership in this field.

Furthermore, GAC has announced plans to install internally developed all-solid-state batteries in vehicles by 2026, seeking to commercialize a technology that could revolutionize the EV industry. Meanwhile, NIO has promised a 150 kWh solid-state battery to debut in its upcoming ET7 sedan, capable of 1,000 km (approximately 621 miles) of range. Lastly, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) unveiled its proprietary semi-solid-state battery technology named "condensed battery," which uses a condensed electrolyte, allowing energy densities of up to 500 Wh/kg.

These innovations indicate a significant shift in the automotive industry, with Chinese OEMs, in particular, taking the lead in the development and application of solid-state and semi-solid battery technologies. The pace at which these innovations are being tested and implemented suggests a near future where BEVs will not only be more efficient and affordable but also safer and with greater range, thanks to solid-state and semi-solid batteries.

This is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field, and all eyes will be on how European OEMs respond to the swift advancements of their Chinese competitors. The race for solid-state and semi-solid batteries is just beginning, and it promises to reshape the future of mobility.

Ricardo Oliveira

World Shopper | #GetReadyForTheFuture

In content production, we employ generative artificial intelligence to analyze extensive volumes of data.

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