Solid-state batteries are revolutionising the world of Electric Vehicles Batteries and the motor industry. These batteries charge more quickly, are safer to use, and, most importantly, provide longer driving ranges than today’s lithium batteries. It’s no wonder they are the future of EVs!
What is a Solid-state Battery?
Solid-state batteries consist of solid electrolyte, unlike the lithium-ion batteries used in EVs today, which have liquid electrolytes between their electrodes (cathodes and anodes).
This solid structure provides a higher energy density, meaning they can hold between 2 to 10 times the capacity of a lithium-ion battery more efficiently, resulting in longer driving ranges and shorter charging times.
As we can see, solid-state batteries are poised to become a real, excellent alternative to lithium-ion batteries, as they’re expected to solve all the issues and obstacles facing electric cars with lithium-ion batteries, including long charging durations, short driving distances, the high risk of fires, and low safety.
Which Brands Are Leading the Charge in Battery Technology?
Various motor companies are investing in the development of solid-state batteries, but however, the Japanese industry, especially Toyota motors, is leading in this field. Toyota is planning to be the first company to sell an EV equipped with a solid-state battery by 2028.
In October 2023, Toyota and Idemitsu Kosan announced a partnership to develop solid-state batteries for EVs, focusing on sulfur-based solid electrolytes due to their productivity and flexibility. They aim to start mass-producing commercial solid-state EV batteries by 2027.
Additionally, Honda is also investing in the transition from liquid to solid electrolytes, believing that solid-state batteries will make the EVs more affordable. They plan to launch a vehicle with a solid-state battery in the latter part of the decade. Other major EV brands, such as Mercedes and Volkswagen, are also involved in this field.
What Drivers Want from Solid-State Batteries?
End users, or drivers, expect an electric vehicle that can drive a minimum of 700 KM on a single charge only. They also expect to fully charge the car in just 10-20 minutes. Additionally, drivers need to have their safety concerns addressed. Solid-state batteries will achieve all these goals, becoming a game-changer for the entire EV industry.
- Longer driving ranges: the solid-solid battery can double the driving ranges compared to lithium-ion electric vehicles.
- Faster charging time: cars equipped with solid-state batteries can be charged within 10-20 minutes or even less, which is way faster than lithium-ion cars.
- Higher safety: solid-state batteries eliminate the flammable liquid electrolytes found in lithium-ion batteries, reducing the risk of fire. They are also stable at high temperatures.
- Environmentally friendly: solid-state batteries have 39% smaller carbon footprint than lithium-ion batteries making this technology a radical step towards a sustainable, zero emissions driving.
Given these benefits and statements, will we be seeing EVs with solid state batteries hitting the market in the 2030’s?
