Chinese battery manufacturer and technology company Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) revealed on Monday that it is committed to the research and mass production of solid-state batteries, with the aim of achieving small-scale production by 2027, according to local media outlet Jiemian. However, overcoming challenges related to cost is essential for realizing large-scale production, the company said.

Why it matters: Presenting a promising solution to conventional lithium-ion battery limitations, producers maintain that solid-state batteries offer enhanced safety, higher energy density, improved performance, increased durability, and reduced environmental impact. They have the potential to transform various industries, including electric vehicles, portable electronics, and renewable energy systems.

Details: The company’s current level of research on solid-state batteries stands at 4, on a scale of 1-9 for technical and manufacturing maturity, CATL’s chief scientist Wu Kai disclosed at a battery technology seminar. CATL plans to achieve a rating of 7-8 by 2027, the year the company plans to be able to produce solid-state batteries on a small scale, Wu told Jiemian.

• Compared to liquid lithium batteries, solid-state batteries demonstrate better performance in terms of energy density. Currently, liquid lithium batteries can reach 350 watt-hours per kilogram, while solid-state batteries are expected to achieve up to 500 watt-hours per kilogram, according to the chief scientist.
• The technological pathways for solid-state batteries primarily include polymers, oxides, and sulfides. Wu claimed that CATL is currently investing more in research and development of the sulfide option, likely to be the first in mass production.
• Sulfide electrolytes exhibit high conductivity and good process ability, but they are also prone to generate toxic gasses when exposed to water and involve high costs due to complex production processes, Wu further explained.
• Wu stated that CATL is striving towards the goal of solid-state batteries representing 1% of the global battery market share. Tech challenges remaining include solid-solid interfaces, lithium metal anodes, solid-state electrolytes, and other manufacturing processes, the scientist added.

Context: Last September, Japanese automaker Toyota announced a development plan for solid-state batteries. Toyota plans to bring electric vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries to market as early as 2027, enabling them to drive around 1,200 kilometers on a charge of under 10 minutes.