15 Companies Relentlessly Working On Solid State Batteries

Solid-state battery technology is being hailed as a potential game-changer for the electric vehicle (EV) industry. It promises significant advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, including better energy storage, faster charging times, and improved safety. This has spurred numerous companies to relentlessly pursue unlocking its full potential. Unlike lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries employ solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte. This design minimizes the risk of leakage and thermal runaway, leading to safer and more stable batteries. As a result, they have the potential for a higher energy density, allowing them to store more power in a smaller package.

Several major players are pushing the boundaries of solid-state battery research. Companies like Toyota are aiming to launch EVs with this technology as early as 2030. Meanwhile, Volkswagen is strategically partnering with QuantumScape, a company they heavily invest in, to develop solid-state batteries specifically for EVs.

The implementation of solid-state technology will have significant implications for the EV movement. Improved energy storage and faster charging times will translate to longer driving ranges and shorter charging waits for consumers. Additionally, enhanced battery safety will address consumer concerns, ultimately stimulating EV adoption. By making EVs more practical and efficient, solid-state battery technology has the potential to reshape the landscape of a sustainable future.

UPDATE: 2024/04/05 13:00 EST BY ANIEBIET INYANG NTUI

Driven by the continuous evolution of electric vehicle technology, this article has been meticulously reviewed and refreshed. This update not only ensures the accuracy of information regarding the companies previously highlighted for their advancements in solid-state batteries, but also expands its scope to include several exciting new players who are relentlessly pushing the boundaries in this transformative field.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various automakers, battery manufacturers, research institutions, and other authoritative sources such as HotCars and CarBuzz.

1 Toyota

Toyota is making significant strides in solid-state battery technology. The company boasts several advantages of solid-state batteries over traditional lithium-ion batteries.

However, Toyota’s journey with solid-state batteries hasn’t been without its hurdles.

Despite these challenges, Toyota remains committed to this technology. Its partnership with Idemitsu, a petroleum giant, aims to address some of these issues by securing raw materials and scientific expertise. Overall, Toyota’s solid-state battery technology has the potential to revolutionize the EV industry. While challenges remain, significant progress has been made. Only time will tell if Toyota can overcome these hurdles and bring this technology to market effectively.

2 Volkswagen

Volkswagen and QuantumScape have been at the forefront of developing solid-state batteries, a technology with the potential to revolutionize electric vehicles (EVs). Their partnership began in 2012, with Volkswagen showcasing its commitment to this area by investing heavily in QuantumScape. Recent tests on a co-developed solid-state battery prototype yielded promising results. The battery retained over 95% capacity after enduring 1,000 charging cycles, exceeding industry standards.

This suggests the battery could potentially last a long time and offer a significant driving range. Volkswagen not putting all its eggs in one basket. While the partnership with QuantumScape is a major focus, Volkswagen is also exploring other avenues. They are working on alternative battery technologies and collaborating with other companies on solid-state development. This multi-pronged approach just like Toyota, demonstrates their recognition of the challenges involved in bringing solid-state batteries to market.

3 Panasonic

Panasonic, a long-time leader in battery technology, has emerged as a key player in the development of solid-state batteries. This next-generation technology promises significant advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries. While Panasonic hasn’t announced a concrete timeline for commercialization, they’ve made significant strides in recent years.

Panasonic’s existing partnerships with major automakers like Toyota, Tesla, and Ford position them well for future integration of solid-state batteries into electric vehicles.

4 Nio

Nio, a leading Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has partnered with Beijing WeLion New Energy Technology to develop solid-state batteries and integrate semi-solid-state batteries into their vehicles. WeLion has also delivered 150 kWh solid-state battery cells which are in use for the new Nio ET7. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in EV technology, potentially addressing a major hurdle for wider EV adoption: range anxiety.

Nio ET7 Semi-Solid-State Battery Specs

(Specs sourced from Nio)

A real-world test involving the Nio ET7 sedan equipped with a 150 kWh semi-solid-state battery achieved a remarkable range of over 649 miles (1,044 kilometers) on a single charge. This accomplishment highlights the potential of this technology to significantly extend the driving range of EVs.

5 Renault

Renault is actively engaged in the development of solid-state battery technology, viewing it as a critical factor in the future of electric vehicles (EVs). This technology has the potential to address some of the key limitations of current lithium-ion batteries, such as driving range and charging times.

One of Renault’s key strategies is collaboration. In 2018, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance announced a significant investment of US$26 billion to develop solid-state batteries. This collaboration leverages the combined expertise of these three automotive giants, potentially accelerating progress in solid-state battery development.

Additionally, Renault partnered with Airbus, a leading European aerospace manufacturer, to combine their knowledge in electric vehicles and aerospace technology respectively, with the goal of achieving production-ready solid-state batteries by 2030.

Another key focus for Renault is sustainability. Cobalt, a rare metal often mined unethically, is a major component of current lithium-ion batteries. Renault is committed to developing solid-state batteries that are cobalt-free. This aligns with their plan to introduce such batteries by 2025. Their efforts are supported by Ionic Materials, a battery company with expertise in cobalt-free solid-state battery technology. Notably, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance was an early investor in Ionic Materials’ research and development.

6 Hyundai

Challenges related to stability and the formation of micro-cracks have hindered Solid-state battery’s widespread adoption. Hyundai, a major player in the EV market, has filed a patent for a novel all-solid-state battery system that addresses these concerns. The proposed solution centers around a unique pressurization system designed to maintain constant pressure within the battery cells.

The key innovation in Hyundai’s design is its focus on maintaining consistent pressure throughout the battery cells, regardless of their charge state. This contrasts with traditional lithium-ion batteries that rely on liquid electrolytes, which experience pressure fluctuations during operation. These fluctuations can negatively impact battery performance and lifespan.

Hyundai Pressurized Battery System

Hyundai’s system utilizes a pressurized fluid chamber encasing the battery cells. This fluid, applied with isostatic pressure, ensures consistent pressure throughout the cells, minimizing stress and promoting stable operation. The system incorporates a pressurizing device that precisely controls the fluid supply. Additionally, a network of sensors monitors pressure, temperature, and individual cell voltage. This comprehensive monitoring system feeds data to a dedicated controller that optimizes performance and safety. The controller ensures charging and discharging only occur within predefined optimal ranges based on the sensor data. It’s important to note that it’s still at the patent design stage, and the technology is not yet commercially available. Further research and development are needed to validate its effectiveness and scalability for mass production.

7 Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL)

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), founded in 2011, is a Chinese company leading the charge in lithium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. Their innovations have a significant impact on the development and range of EVs. In April 2023, CATL introduced a new condensed battery cell, a type of solid-state battery technology. This technology is particularly promising for the electrification of passenger aircraft. These new cells boast an energy density of 500 Wh/kg, which is more than double the capacity of conventional lithium-ion battery cells.

For comparison, the recently released Tesla 4680 battery cell offers an energy density of 244 Wh/kg. This translates to a significant increase in potential range for electric vehicles powered by CATL’s condensed battery cells. Looking within their own product line, CATL’s new condensed battery cells outperform their existing Qilin battery, a prismatic lithium-ion cell with an energy density of 255 Wh/kg.

Currently used in the Geely Zeekr-001 EV, the Qilin battery allows the vehicle to achieve a driving range of up to 641 miles on the CLTC scale (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle). CATL’s condensed battery cells have the potential to nearly double that range, pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle capabilities. In February of 2024, CATL, another major Chinese battery company, joined forces with BYD, Nio and other Chinese EV industry leaders to form a consortium focused on developing solid-state batteries.

8 Honda

Honda, a major player in the automotive industry, has set its sights on achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This ambitious goal has led them to actively explore and invest in next-generation battery technology – solid-state batteries. Honda isn’t going it alone in this pursuit. Collaborations with industry giants like General Motors and Sony demonstrate their commitment to accelerating the development and implementation of solid-state batteries. This collaborative approach allows Honda to leverage the expertise and resources of these partners, potentially leading to a faster path to commercialization.

Additionally, Honda is making significant financial investments to turn their vision into reality. A 43 billion Yen (approximately $295 million) investment earmarked for a production line in Sakura, Japan, signifies their dedication to bringing solid-state battery technology to EVs by 2028. However, there are still hurdles to overcome.

Dendrites, microscopic protrusions that can form within the battery and compromise its integrity, pose a significant challenge to solid-state battery technology. Honda is actively conducting research to address this issue. Successfully mitigating the dendrite problem is crucial for Honda to achieve their ambitious target of producing 2 million battery electric vehicles annually by 2030.

9 Nissan

Nissan is making a strong push towards solid-state battery technology for electric vehicles. They are confident that their research and development will culminate in a mass-produced electric car powered by solid-state batteries by the year 2028.

As a stepping stone towards this goal, Nissan plans to open a prototype production plant specifically for these batteries. This facility will be located at their research center in Kanagawa, Japan. The potential benefits of solid-state batteries are significant. Nissan’s ambitions include reducing the cost of electric vehicle batteries by half, while simultaneously tripling their fast-charging capabilities and doubling their energy density.

Nissan’s goal is to achieve a density of 480-500 Wh/kg, which would represent a major leap forward in the electric vehicle range. Another area of focus for Nissan is the development of all-solid-state battery cells that utilize sodium instead of lithium and eliminate the liquid electrolyte altogether. This technology has the potential to provide a 20-percent increase in range compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. If achieved, these advancements could significantly enhance the appeal of electric vehicles for consumers by addressing concerns about range, charging times, and cost.

10 SolidEnergy Systems

SolidEnergy Systems (SES), founded in 2012 by Dr. Qichao Hu, is a company focused on developing and manufacturing next-generation lithium metal batteries. Headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, SES has garnered significant attention for its technology that promises to surpass the capabilities of traditional lithium-ion batteries. Central to SES’s approach is the utilization of lithium metal anodes. This contrasts with the standard graphite anodes found in lithium-ion batteries. The lithium metal technology offers several potential benefits.

• Increased Energy Density: SES claims their lithium metal battery cells can achieve an energy density of 400 Wh/kg, which is significantly higher than the typical 250-300 Wh/kg of lithium-ion cells. This translates to potentially doubling the driving range of electric vehicles equipped with SES batteries.
• Faster Charging Times: SES technology suggests charging an EV battery up to 80-percent in under 15 minutes, a substantial improvement over current charging times.
• Reduced Weight: The use of lithium metal anodes contributes to a lighter overall battery pack, improving vehicle efficiency.
• Enhanced Safety: SES integrates an AI-powered algorithm to monitor battery health and potentially improve safety measures.

The potential of SES’s technology has attracted partnerships with major automobile manufacturers like General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Geely, and Kia. This collaboration signifies the industry’s interest in exploring and potentially adopting lithium metal battery technology for future electric vehicles. In 2021, General Motors invested $139 million in SES, highlighting their commitment to advancing the technology and potentially integrating it into their vehicles by 2025. While SES’s technology presents promising possibilities, it is still under development. Large-scale production and cost-effectiveness remain key areas to address before widespread adoption can occur. Further testing and refinement are necessary to ensure the technology meets safety and performance standards for the automotive industry.

11 Solid Power

Solid Power is a company aiming to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) industry with its next-generation all-solid-state battery technology. Founded in 2011 as a spin-off from the University of Colorado, Solid Power has attracted significant interest from major automakers like Hyundai, BMW, and Ford. The company went public in 2021 and is headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, with a 75,000-square-foot production plant in Thornton.

Its core technology centers on solid-state battery cells. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that use a flammable liquid electrolyte, Solid Power’s design incorporates a sulfide-based solid electrolyte. This solid electrolyte is considered to be safer and more stable than its liquid counterpart, potentially addressing a key safety concern regarding lithium-ion batteries.

Solid Power is focused on scaling up production to meet the demands of the EV market. Their goal is to be able to produce enough battery cells for up to 800,000 electric vehicles by 2028. This ambitious target indicates the company’s belief in the potential of its technology to disrupt the EV battery landscape. The company’s efforts have garnered support from the United States Department of Energy. Solid Power was recently awarded $5.6 million as part of the department’s Electric Vehicles for American Low-carbon Living (EVs4ALL) program. This funding will likely be used to accelerate research and development efforts.

12 Samsung

Samsung is a South Korean multinational electronics company headquartered in Suwon, South Korea. It is the world’s largest smartphone and semiconductor chip manufacturer and also produces a wide range of other electronic products including TVs, home appliances, and memory chips.

Samsung SDI is a subsidiary of Samsung Group, specifically focused on the development and production of electronic materials and rechargeable batteries. Founded in 1970, Samsung SDI has played a major role in Samsung’s overall technological advancements and is now a key player in the development of solid-state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).

Samsung SDI’s Solid-State Battery Specs

(Specs sourced from Samsung SDI)

Samsung SDI’s solid-state battery design boasts an energy density of 900 Wh/L, significantly exceeding current lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, its design suggests incredibly fast charging times, reaching 80-percent capacity in just nine minutes. Samsung also indicates a potential 20-year lifespan for their design, outlasting current battery technology.

Samsung SDI’s battery is currently in the pilot production phase, testing and refining the manufacturing process with a small-scale production line. Prototype samples are being delivered to “EV manufacturers”. However, challenges remain before commercialization. Developing cost-effective manufacturing, ensuring long-term material stability, and achieving consistent performance across all cells are key hurdles. However, Samsung has set an ambitious target of 2027 for mass production.

13 LG Energy Solution

LG Energy Solution is collaborating with researchers at the University of California San Diego to develop next-generation solid-state batteries. This type of battery uses a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, which could potentially lead to a number of advantages, including faster charging times, longer lifespans, and improved safety. LG Energy Solution’s researchers have made significant progress in this area. They have developed a new battery that uses a silicon anode and a sulfide-based solid electrolyte.

This combination has shown promising results in initial testing, delivering 500 charge and discharge cycles with 80-percent capacity retention at room temperature. This is an important development in the race to commercialize solid-state batteries. However, there is still more work to be done before this technology can be used in electric vehicles and other applications. LG Energy Solution is committed to continuing its research in this area and aims to commercialize all-solid-state batteries after 2030.

14 Harvard

In January 2024, researchers at Harvard University have made significant progress in the development of solid-state batteries. Their new design boasts incredibly fast charging times and extended lifespans, potentially paving the way for a future with more efficient and reliable electric vehicles (EVs). The research team, led by Xin Li from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), focused on overcoming a critical challenge in solid-state batteries: dendrite formation.

• Dendrites are needle-like lithium deposits that can grow during charging cycles, eventually puncturing the battery and causing it to short-circuit or catch fire.
• To address dendrite formation, the Harvard team incorporated micron-sized silicon particles within the anode.
• These particles provided a uniform surface for lithium ions, preventing dendrite growth entirely.
• This innovation not only eliminated the safety hazard but also enabled significantly faster charging times, down to ten minutes for a full recharge.

The battery’s performance surpasses current lithium-ion battery technology in another key metric: longevity. Even after 6,000 charging cycles, a significant improvement over standard batteries, the Harvard design retained 80% of its capacity. This extended lifespan translates to a longer overall battery life for EVs, potentially reducing range anxiety and the need for frequent replacements.

The positive results from Harvard’s research have garnered attention within the battery industry. The Harvard Office of Technology Development has licensed the technology to Adden Energy, a battery startup founded by Harvard researchers. This collaboration suggests a path towards commercialization, although further development is likely needed before the widespread adoption in electric vehicles becomes a reality.

15 Sila Nanotechnologies

Sila Nanotechnologies has strategic partnerships with companies like BMW, Daimler AG, Siemens, and CATL, to accelerate the commercialization of solid-state batteries for electric vehicles. Their substantial investments in research and development have been with the support of some of the industry’s most prominent players. The company has a roadmap for the release of at least 150+ GWh of battery cells for commercialization by 2028.

While spearheading the solid-state battery technology drive, the company has released its Titan Silicon battery cell that delivers 20 percent more range and a 10-80 percent charge of 20 minutes. Mercedes intends to use it in the EQG. For its solid-state battery technology, at moderate temperatures, the company will employ melt-infiltrating of a solid-state electrolyte into a porous separator-cathode stack to defeat the dendrites and bulky ceramic electrolyte limitations of traditional solid-state battery technology.