Follow the latest coverage, related explainers and connected technology stories.
China has set a target for the large-scale deployment of solid-state batteries by 2030, but CATL believes that achieving low-cost electric vehicles using the technology will remain more difficult than beginning production. Obstacles include manufacturing maturity, cost reduction, and improvements in performance and stability.
BYD is testing a new executive sedan through its luxury Yangwang brand that could be the company’s first electric model to use solid-state batteries, with expectations for an official launch in October 2026 and the commercial debut of these batteries in 2027.
Manfred Harrer, head of research and development at Hyundai Motor Group, believes abandoning solid-state batteries is not possible, expecting limited-production vehicles using the technology to appear within five years. However, higher raw-material costs will keep them away from mass-market cars for longer.
Mercedes-Benz has entered into a testing agreement with ProLogium that gives it priority access to Gen4 solid-state battery cells, marking a new step in a partnership that began in 2016. The partnership aims to evaluate electrical and thermal performance as well as safety, while ProLogium seeks to move from pilot lines to commercial production.
Factorial Energy is bringing together companies specializing in materials and battery manufacturing to accelerate the rollout of solid-state batteries, rather than developing all their components internally. The company is working with Mitsui Kinzoku and other partners, while its batteries are still awaiting entry into production vehicles.