Worldwide, lithium-ion batteries are kickstarting the clean transportation revolution. The more time renewable energy and automotive dealers spend with this technology, the more its shortcomings become apparent. A solid-state EV battery could resolve these mounting concerns, but several barriers have prevented it from becoming the default choice.

The Current State of the Solid-State Market

EV purchases are not slowing down as some predicted, especially as the U.S. hit its historic milestone in 2023 of one million BEV sales. More efficient, capable batteries will cause this number to skyrocket.

Not only are solid-state batteries becoming more advanced, but they must keep EV momentum alive around the world. They are projected to become a reality by the end of the 2020s. More makers will attempt to create models to scale production and cut costs.

Simultaneously, nations are drafting more legislation around grid modernization and EV expansion to meet decarbonization objectives. The groundbreaking impact of the Inflation Reduction Act sets a precedent for future laws to shift the automotive industry toward solid-state batteries.

Why Solid-State EV Batteries Are Coming Soon

Is lithium-ion not good enough to carry EVs for the next several years of sales? What are the reasons solid-state is likely to be the disruptor the sector needs?

Improved Charging Efficiency

Green energy thought leaders know solid-state EV batteries are coming soon because charging times are below 10 minutes to reach 80% capacity. These advantages will change the battery landscape into a competitive market, leveling prices and entering more consumers’ hands. Its public image will flourish as customer satisfaction transforms the reputation of EVs.

Researchers are considering all metrics influencing charging rates, including the battery’s shape. Testing cylindrical, prismatic and coin-cell lithium batteries with solid-state pouches proved enhancements already, with 80% capacity held after over 6,000 charges. With this many charges and discharges, it may be enough to convince drivers of their next vehicle.

Sustainability Is Improving

Solid-state batteries use fewer materials, especially because they do not require as many. Some variations could use more lithium, but the structure contains less nickel and cobalt — arguably the most environmentally destructive ingredients in modern EV batteries. Materials like polymers and ceramics are well-performing options.

The total carbon footprint of an ethically sourced battery could lower adverse impacts by up to 39%, reducing the intensity of these debates.

Enhanced Density

Most solid-state EV batteries offer around 400 Wh per kilogram compared to 250 Wh per kilogram for a lithium-ion competitor. This is monumental for a few reasons. Fleets could start using solid-state batteries to ease towing and hauling concerns with heavy cargo while eliminating range anxiety.

Additionally, the average commuter will see more value in EVs. Buy-in is more likely if they know they do not have to charge every day. Graphite anodes in lithium-ion batteries are not as dense as a solid-state’s lithium-metal. Greater density equates to greater consumer freedoms, which is necessary for advancing EV adoption.

Dendrite Formation Removal

One of lithium ion’s most present challenges is dendrite formation as the battery ages. If unattended, this buildup compromises performance and causes safety concerns, leading to shortages. Numerous hours of maintenance may be spent reacting or attempting to prevent this from becoming a driver’s concern.

Solid-state batteries do not have this issue. The objective of the solid-state industry is to remove as many of these maintenance concerns as possible to make manufacturing and sustainability more streamlined.

Why Solid-State Could See Adoption Delays

Solid-state battery EVs are likely to become mainstream in the coming decades. Is there anything that could stop them from gaining the traction experts predict?

Cost Concerns

Cost is the most prohibitive aspect of solid-state batteries. Makers like Honda seek to make a solid-state model accessible to most of the public with the goal of a $30,000 price tag. Striking a balance is a challenge, especially when they want to reduce weight by 50% while maintaining the energy density of a battery double the size. The research and development needed to reach these targets could make a Honda Civic or Accord solid-state EV out of the market for many years.

Legislative action with a mix of public and private investments is the most impactful influence in changing this. This is the combination causing the price reduction of other green technologies, such as solar panels and lithium-ion batteries at their inception. Despite this, EVs could still make up more than half of the cars on the road by 2055.

Thermal Runaway

Practically, manufacturers must find a way to stop thermal runaway, which companies have attempted to outsmart with structural design. For example, the Stellary Battery Back from Gotion eliminates 70% of outside heat, keeping the battery cool and operating at top performance. This along with a wireless battery-management system has reduced costs so far by up to 50%.

Fortunately, industry experts are close to making it viable. They aim to solve concerns about capacity, weight, charging speeds, safety and material accessibility. Compositions including lithium-metal or aqueous magnesium anodes eliminate range anxiety and improve battery circularity. Researchers know these answers exist, but pricing and limited chargers remain obstacles.

Customer Buy-In

The public understanding and awareness of lithium-ion batteries are mixed. Can the grid support EVs? Are EVs even sustainable when they use more energy to create them than a standard internal combustion engine?

Education needs to be consistent, as it confuses buyers. Introducing a novel battery style to the market could make matters more muddled. Manufacturers must advertise upcoming solid-state battery EVs with clarity and cohesion, tackling drivers’ most significant concerns in campaigns.

Around 53% of people say range anxiety makes them hesitant to get an EV, and 55% fear battery maintenance costs and replacements. Failure to address these society-wide problems with accessible language will prevent the era of solid-state batteries.

Solid-State EV Battery Progress

Many of the projections for solid-state batteries suggest industry expansion is imminent. Public perception of EVs will shift as many opposing arguments against lithium-ion batteries will fade into obscurity. Makers will continue to make lithium-ion batteries as long as the materials are available and profit is possible.

However, the market will diversify in light of these innovations. The competition between battery variants will make the sector one of the most exciting to watch in recent history.