As price wars intensify and marketing tactics reach new lows, the electric vehicle (EV) industry recognizes that simple configuration differences no longer form a competitive edge. While the focus has shifted towards smart features like intelligent cockpits and autonomous driving, the essence of the EV experience is still fundamentally about "mobility."
Ensuring high-quality mobility hinges on one critical component: the power battery. In 2024, the battery industry appears to be at a turning point with the recent introduction of semi-solid-state batteries by Zhiji Motors' L6 and the announcement of solid-state battery technology by GAC Group.
On April 17, Nissan also revealed plans to commence trial production of solid-state batteries in March 2025, aiming for a production capacity of 100 MWh per month by 2028. This shift from liquid to solid-state batteries marks the beginning of a significant technological revolution.
Benefits of Solid-State Batteries
Enhanced Safety:
Solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes, eliminating risks associated with liquid electrolytes like leakage and short circuits. This stability significantly reduces the chances of fires and explosions.
Higher Energy Density:
Solid electrolytes offer higher ionic conductivity and lower interfacial resistance, allowing more energy to be stored in the same volume. This leads to longer driving ranges for EVs.
Longer Lifespan:
Solid-state batteries mitigate issues associated with solid electrolyte interface film formation in liquid electrolytes, extending battery life. NIO's chairman, Li Bin, emphasized the need to focus on battery lifespan, which solid-state batteries can address.
Faster Charging and Better Temperature Adaptability:
These batteries charge faster and perform consistently in various temperatures, making them ideal for different climates.
Current Developments and Future Prospects
Zhiji Motors' L6 features a semi-solid-state battery, combining traditional cathode materials with silicon-carbon anodes to limit expansion. Although containing 10% wetting liquid, this design reduces total liquid content by 5% compared to traditional lithium batteries. However, some experts view semi-solid-state batteries as a transitional technology, still differing from solid-state batteries in terms of longevity.
GAC Group's solid-state battery, slated for the AION model in 2026, boasts 100% solid electrolytes with ultra-high energy density and inherent safety. GAC AION’s laboratory announced breakthroughs last year, enhancing battery life by reducing degradation by 50%.
Nissan’s timeline for solid-state battery production is more conservative, with mass production expected by 2028. Historically, Japanese and Korean companies like Toyota and Panasonic began developing solid-state batteries using sulfide electrolytes in 2008, anticipating mass production around 2027-2028.
China's Advancements
Despite initially lagging, Chinese companies are catching up quickly. Experts attribute this to China's advancements in certain materials and processes. Several firms have announced plans for solid-state batteries, including Samsung SDI, Changan Automobile, and GAC AION.
Creating a car is relatively straightforward in China due to a mature supply chain. However, solid-state battery technology spans multiple disciplines and requires a gradual development approach.
Conclusion
Solid-state batteries could redefine the EV industry, rendering the differences between liquid batteries negligible. By 2030, full solid-state batteries are expected to become industrialized, according to Ouyang Minggao, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He highlighted the importance of conquering this technology to maintain China's lead in the EV sector.
