In Depth: China’s EV Sector Enters New Frontier With Solid-State Batteries

Chinese battery and vehicle manufacturers are gradually incorporating solid-state batteries into their products, aiming for growth despite existing technical challenges that hinder widespread commercial use[para. 1]. Solid-state batteries, recognized for utilizing solid electrolytes, may revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) sector by significantly improving energy density, safety, lifespan, driving range, and charging time over traditional lithium-ion batteries, alleviating drivers’ “range anxiety”[para. 2][para. 3].

Mercedes-Benz AG has embarked on road tests with a lithium-metal solid-state battery developed by Factorial Energy, claiming a potential 25% range increase, equating to a 1,000 km drive on a single charge[para. 4]. However, the complexity of material selection for these batteries remains a challenge, as noted by Li Hong of the Chinese Academy of Sciences[para. 5]. Among explored materials for solid electrolytes, sulfides are favored for their high conductivity; however, they are expensive and demand very dry manufacturing environments, explained Xia Dingguo from Peking University[para. 6][para. 7].

Various materials, including oxides, halides, and polymers, are being considered, yet each brings unique challenges such as manufacturing costs and insufficient properties[para. 8][para. 10]. To combat issues like interfacial cracks that hinder battery performance, companies like Mercedes-Benz are employing technologies like pneumatic actuators to stabilize battery volume changes[para. 14]. Innovations like dry electrode technology may simplify manufacturing processes and enhance material compatibility[para. 15].

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are supporting the development of solid-state batteries by expediting the material selection and design process, shifting from trial-and-error to high-throughput computing[para. 17][para. 18]. Companies such as BYD are harnessing AI for developing solid electrolytes, with plans to implement these in vehicles by 2027 and expand their commercial application by 2030[para. 23]. CATL is also leveraging AI, developing a supercomputing center for efficient battery material research[para. 24][para. 25].

The drive to develop solid-state batteries is reshaping the industrial landscape[para. 31]. Companies like Guangzhou Automobile Group and SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd. are advancing into solid-state technology to enhance their market position, with substantial investments and development plans[para. 34]. Smaller players have the opportunity to innovate by redeveloping components like binders and conductive agents, which, though minor in cost, greatly affect battery performance and commercialization[para. 39].

Despite the progress, industry experts predict that due to their high cost and nascent development, solid-state batteries will continue to coexist with liquid-state batteries in the EV market for the foreseeable future[para. 40]. Likely deployment scenarios include applications like transportation drones and humanoid robots, which prioritize energy density and safety[para. 41].