The basic characteristics of solid-state batteries are consistent with those of liquid batteries, and the evaluation system does not differ depending on the battery type. The industrial development of solid-state batteries needs to pay attention to the coupling of its materials, processes and equipment, and practical verification is the key. The technical strength of solid-state batteries can be demonstrated by manufacturing large-capacity batteries, with 30 Ah per cell being an important reference standard. Energy density is the core indicator of solid-state batteries, and the single energy density needs to reach more than 300 Increasing energy density is more difficult and requires reducing the amount of auxiliary components and refining the placement of materials. The charge and discharge rate is also an important indicator and needs to be increased as much as possible.
Solid-state batteries have now reached the usable stage, but have not yet made significant breakthroughs in engineering and commercialization capabilities. There are no large-scale commercialization cases on the market yet, and solid-state batteries are at the stage of proving their engineering and commercialization capabilities. The cost of solid-state batteries is still a challenge. The current price of solid electrolytes is relatively high. In the long run, prices may fall, but it is not easy to reach the cost level of electrolytes. Solid-state batteries face difficulties in replacing liquid batteries on a large scale, especially in the face of the low-cost advantage of lithium iron phosphate.
The technical routes of solid-state batteries include semi-solid and all-solid. The market does not pay as much attention to semi-solid as to all-solid. Semi-solid-state batteries are considered a transitional route, but they have different market appeal than all-solid-state batteries. All-solid-state batteries need to solve issues such as interface processing and material stability. Different types of solid electrolytes have different application prospects. Sulfide solid-state batteries are expected to achieve better applications in 2030, while progress in oxide systems may be faster. CATL plans to achieve relevant breakthroughs by the end of next year. Composite batteries of polymers and oxides are also being explored.
Large companies such as CATL have invested heavily in R&D in the field of solid-state batteries, but the market has low expectations for its elasticity. Small companies are more attractive in the capital market. Although their R&D strength is not as good as that of large companies, their high odds attract the attention of funds. The layout of leading companies is more complete, but the market elasticity problem affects their capital pursuit. The research and development of solid-state batteries involves a variety of material systems, such as a combination of halides and oxides. CATL has made some progress in the research of halide solid electrolytes. Although it has not been widely publicized, its research results show good overall performance.
