Solid State Batteries to Unlock a New Battery Paradigm By Investing.com

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are poised to revolutionize the battery industry, unlocking a new paradigm that could significantly improve the energy density, safety and performance of electric vehicles (EVs).

This new generation of batteries, specifically solid-state batteries (ASSBs), represents the most substantial advance in battery technology in decades, according to Bernstein analysts.

In a report on Monday, the investment bank highlighted that these batteries could offer a 50% higher energy density at the cell level, reaching up to 500Wh/kg, allowing electric vehicles to reach a range of 700-800 of kilometers with fast charging times of under 10 minutes. .

The technological promise of ASSBs lies in their potential to outperform current lithium-ion (LiB) batteries in several key areas.

In particular, sulfide-based ASSBs stand out due to their superior safety performance and longer lifetime compared to other solid-state battery technologies such as Li-metal anode or semi-solid batteries.

“Sulfide-based ASSBs are at sample A stage but are expected to reach mass production in 2027,” the analysts noted.

Samsung (KS:) SDI, for example, is leading the charge with plans to decide to build a commercial line by the end of 2024.

Despite their promise, SSBs face significant technological and cost challenges. The cost of ASSBs is initially projected to be much higher than existing Li-ion batteries, which could limit their application in high-end markets.

Furthermore, dendrite formation – a key technological challenge – remains a significant hurdle. However, new materials are being developed to create stable interfaces between battery components, which could alleviate this problem, Bernstein explained.

One of the critical innovations in ASSB is the solid electrolyte, which has become the new cathode in terms of cost and importance. The solid electrolyte makes up about 50% of the cost of an ASSB, compared to only 5% in conventional LiBs. Companies such as Idemitsu, Lake Materials and Cosmo AM&T are emerging as leaders in this crucial area of ​​battery development.

“By the end of this decade, we expect to see solid-state batteries emerge to replace lithium-ion batteries,” the analysts pointed out.

In terms of merchandising, timelines vary from company to company.

While Samsung SDI and CATL are targeting mass production of ASSB by 2027, other players such as LG Energy Solution and SK Innovation are targeting the end of the decade.

Toyota (NYSE: ), another major player, has ambitions to commercialize SSBs by 2027/28, although their progress remains unclear.

Meanwhile, emerging companies such as QuantumScape ( QS ) and Solid Power ( SLDP ) are making progress, with QuantumScape entering into a significant deal with PowerCo to produce 40 GWh of SSBs per year.