Range, charging time and safety are crucial to the acceptance of electric vehicles. This makes progress in energy storage a key strategic area.
Solid-state batteries are seen as a game changer for the next generation of e-mobility. The global race is on:
ProLogium, a partner of Mercedes-Benz, relies on solid ceramic electrolytes and anodes made of 100% silicon composite. The cells are expected to achieve more than double the energy density of today’s lithium-ion batteries and offer a fast-charging capability of five minutes for a range of up to 300 km. The technology is expected to be available in production vehicles from 2030.
The Volkswagen Group has been working with the US start-up QuantumScape since 2020. The company relies on a proprietary solid-ceramic separator that allows the use of pure lithium metal anodes. The goal is to develop a cell technology with high energy and power density and short charging times.
BMW and Ford are also advancing development in partnership with the US company Solid Power. The planned energy density is 390 Wh/kg, based on a silicon anode. Series production is planned from 2026.
Toyota has announced a solid-state battery for 2027 that will have a range of up to 1,000 km and that can be charged from 10% to 80% in ten minutes – at a lower weight and with reduced production costs.
Manufacturer NIO presented an ultra-long-range battery with 150 kWh at the end of 2023. What’s known as a CTP (Cell-to-Pack) is said to enable a range of over 1,000 km with an energy density of up to 360 Wh/kg.
BYD presented the new “Super-e” system, which is said to provide a range of 400 km in just five minutes. From a technological standpoint, the system is based on an improved flash-charging battery and an innovative, water-cooled megawatt charger with a charging power of up to 1,360 kW. Over the next few years, around 4,000 charging points are to be equipped with this technology.
Despite all the progress, the series production of powerful, scalable solid-state cells still faces challenges. Experts believe a market breakthrough could take up to ten years. However, the competition among global industrial players suggests that this development will accelerate.