CATL, the global leader in electric vehicle battery manufacturing, has announced a new milestone in the development of all-solid-state batteries, having moved to the 20 ampere-hour (Ah) cell stage in production trials. The company aims to reach an energy density of 500 watt-hours per kilogram using sulfide-based solid electrolyte systems.
The company explained during a discussion with investors that it continues to invest heavily in this technology, with plans to begin small-scale commercial production by 2027, paving the way for full-scale commercial production by the end of the current decade, around 2030. Previous assessments by the company's Chairman and CEO, Robin Zeng, indicated that solid-state batteries have so far reached the fourth level out of nine levels of industrial development.
A Global Race Toward Solid-State Battery Production
CATL's 2027 timeline coincides with the efforts of other global companies competing to enter the solid-state battery market:
- Toyota: Aims to launch its first electric vehicle powered by an all-solid-state battery between 2027 and 2028, relying on Sumitomo's powder manufacturing technology, with expectations for limited production initially.
- Samsung SDI: Plans to begin commercial production of SolidStack batteries in the second half of 2027.
- BYD: Announced through its battery arm, FinDreams, plans to produce solid-state sulfide batteries in limited batches in 2027, with full expansion in 2030.
What Does This Mean for Users and the Automotive Industry?
Although solid-state batteries are considered the "holy grail" of energy technology due to their potential to reduce weight and increase safety and range, experts believe that challenges regarding volumetric energy density (Wh/liter), cost, and charging speed remain critical factors. In the same context, companies continue to develop alternative technologies such as lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and sodium-ion batteries to provide more efficient and lower-cost options that meet the requirements of different markets in the near term.