Automakers are carefully observing the development of new battery chemistries. Existing lithium-ion batteries are likely to dominate the battery market for the next decade due to their high energy density, long cycle life and decreasing costs, but the ultimate theoretical performance has a ceiling.
The performance of lithium-ion batteries can be enhanced with more complex cathode or anode materials (e.g. niobium, silicon). Solid- and semi-solid-state batteries are an alternative and offer performance benefits.
In this edition of SBD Explores, we dive into these two emerging battery technologies and discuss their potential impact on the automotive industry.
What is happening?
OEMs are looking for new technology to boost EV range. Current traditional lithium-ion batteries utilize a liquid electrolyte to transfer lithium ions across electrodes. Now, OEMs are investing in new forms of lithium-ion batteries with solid electrolyte interfaces.
Two different cell designs are being developed by OEMs and suppliers. Semi-solid-state and solid-state batteries replace some or all the liquid electrolyte with a solid interface.
Semi-solid-state batteries contain a mix of solid conductive material and liquid electrolyte to conduct ions across the electrodes. These have significantly less liquid electrolyte than traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Solid-state batteries have a have no liquid at all and use a pure solid material as the electrolyte.
Why does it matter?
There are some key advantages that give semi-solid-state and solid-state batteries an advantage over traditional lithium-ion batteries. The advantages arise from the reduced amount, or lack of, liquid electrolyte.
Having a liquid electrolyte can cause performance issues in cold temperatures as it does not allow ions to flow between electrodes as easily.
Safety issues arise when flammable liquid electrolyte is present. Semi-solid-state batteries reduce this risk, and solid-state batteries remove this risk.
Generally speaking, semi-solid-state batteries offer better performance than lithium-ion batteries, but not as good as the expected performance of solid-state batteries.
The increased performance and expected reliability of solid-state batteries comes at a large investment cost into new manufacturing.
Who to watch out for?
Both semi-solid-state and solid-state batteries are being developed in tandem, with semi-solid-state being more mature than solid-state batteries for automotive and non-automotive applications. Solid-state batteries have been, “5 years away” for a long time due to continuous difficulties (both technical and commercial) in the design and validation processes.
Energy storage solutions and batteries for non-automotive applications are being actively deployed. Learnings from the field will support refinement of the technology for the technically-demanding automotive space.
Semi-solid-state batteries are being installed in vehicles in China. More are expected to follow before solid-state hits the market. NIO’s swapping technology supports in-field testing and sampling of new chemistries.
Solid-state batteries are still some way from being ready for production vehicles.
Where next?
Several automakers see value in semi-solid-state and solid-state batteries. Production of semi-solid-state batteries will likely occur sooner than solid-state batteries for most OEMs.
Key factors contribute to the market adoption of semi-solid-state and solid-state batteries:
If consumers continue to demand electric vehicles with more range, this will drive OEMs and suppliers to further develop the technology.
However, while consumers want vehicles with more range, this will come at a cost. Vehicles with new battery technologies will likely be expensive as manufacturing processes develop.
Further development of manufacturing processes can help drive costs down, allowing more vehicles to be equipped with this battery technology.
NMC and LFP are the dominant chemistries for automotive EV batteries. NIO is the first to release semi-solid-state batteries for mass production.
More OEMs consider using semi-solid-state batteries in their vehicle line-up. Semi-solid-state battery vehicles will be more expensive than those with lithium-ion batteries, justified by increased range.
Solid-state batteries finally adopted at scale, starting with premium vehicles. Traditional lithium-ion batteries remain in use for low-cost EVs.
Semi-solid-state batteries become used in low-cost EVs. Solid-state batteries become more widespread.
How should you react?
Build
Continue to build alliances and joint ventures with OEMs and battery suppliers to develop new scalable models.
Understand
Understand how different battery technologies will impact now/near/far EV prices and plan your model specifications and price-point accordingly.
Invest
If you want to be a leader in the EV space, invest in new forms of battery technology, not limited to semi-solid-state and solid-state batteries. Alternative anode and cathode materials are also worthy.
Interested in finding out more?
Most of our work is helping clients go deeper into new challenges and opportunities through custom projects. If you would like to discuss recent projects we've completed relating to Electric Vehicles and their technologies, contact us today!
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