can solid state batteries power up for the next generation of evs?
The Current State of Lithium-Ion Battery Technology
Lithium-ion batteries are the dominant power source for modern devices, including smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. However, unlike other technologies like processors and solar panels, advancements in lithium-ion battery technology have been gradual rather than exponential.
Past Promises and Recent Challenges
For the past ten years, the development of solid-state battery systems has been heralded as a breakthrough. Initial expectations for vastly improved safety, reduced weight, and increased power have largely gone unfulfilled.
Many early ventures encountered difficulties, resulting in disappointing products, startup failures, and postponed launch dates.
A Renewed Focus and Market Growth
Currently, a new generation of companies and technologies is reaching maturity. This progress is being supported by the necessary funding to address the largest market for batteries: transportation.
Approximately 60% of all lithium-ion batteries produced today are used in electric vehicles. IDTechEx forecasts that the solid-state battery market will reach a value of $6 billion by 2030.
Consumer Concerns Regarding Electric Vehicles
Despite improvements in performance, electric vehicles still represent a relatively small portion of global car sales – around one in 25 vehicles worldwide (and even fewer in the United States).
A 2020 Castrol survey of 10,000 drivers revealed consistent concerns: EVs are perceived as too expensive, too slow to charge, and offer insufficient driving range.
Key Thresholds for EV Adoption
Castrol’s research identified three critical factors that would drive wider adoption of electric vehicles. These include a minimum range of 300 miles, a charging time of no more than 30 minutes, and a price point below $36,000.
How Solid-State Batteries Could Provide Solutions
Solid-state batteries (SSB), in theory, have the potential to meet all three of these requirements.
The Core Technology of Solid-State Batteries
While various types of SSB exist, they all share a common characteristic: the absence of a liquid electrolyte. Liquid electrolytes are traditionally used to facilitate the movement of electrons between the battery’s positive (cathode) and negative (anode) electrodes.
Liquid electrolytes impose limitations on the materials used for electrodes, as well as the battery’s overall shape and size. Furthermore, the flammability of liquid electrolytes makes lithium-ion batteries susceptible to overheating and potential explosions.
SSBs are significantly less flammable and allow for the use of metal electrodes and more intricate internal designs. This enables greater energy storage capacity and faster energy transfer, resulting in higher power output and quicker charging times.
Key Industry Participants
Amy Prieto, founder and CTO of Prieto Battery, a Colorado-based solid-state battery startup, notes that while theoretical calculations for these batteries yield impressive results, practical implementation presents significant challenges.
Prieto herself established her company in 2009, building upon a prior career as a chemistry professor. She has observed numerous solid-state battery (SSB) startups emerge and subsequently cease operations. For instance, in 2015, both Dyson and Bosch acquired SSB companies – Sakti3 and SEEO, respectively – for automotive development, but both ventures ultimately proved unsuccessful, with Dyson later relinquishing some of Sakti3’s patents.
Prieto Battery has developed a unique SSB featuring a three-dimensional internal structure designed to deliver both high power output and substantial energy density. Currently, the company is actively seeking investment to expand production capabilities for automotive battery packs. Hercules, an electric pickup truck manufacturer, is positioned to be the initial recipient of these batteries, with their Alpha vehicle slated for release in 2022. Fisker is also reportedly developing a 3D SSB for its Ocean SUV, anticipated to launch next year.
Solid Power, another Colorado-based SSB firm, has secured funding from major automotive manufacturers including BMW, Hyundai, Samsung, and Ford, following a $20 million Series A round in 2018. According to CEO Doug Campbell, Solid Power’s strategy focuses solely on cell development, with no plans for battery pack or cell manufacturing.
The company intends to leverage existing lithium-ion production equipment and processes wherever possible. Upon completion of cell development, projected for 2023 or 2024, Solid Power will transfer full-scale production to its commercial partners.
Campbell explains that this approach minimizes obstacles for established battery producers, facilitating easier adoption of the technology.
QuantumScape currently stands as one of the most recognized SSB developers. Originating from Stanford University a decade ago, the company garnered investments from Bill Gates and a substantial $300 million from Volkswagen. In November, QuantumScape became a publicly traded company through a special purpose acquisition company, initially valued at $3.3 billion.
The company’s stock value subsequently increased tenfold following CEO Jagdeep Singh’s assertion that they had overcome the longstanding issues of limited lifespan and slow charging speeds that have historically hindered SSB technology. Singh stated that it required a decade – five years to identify the appropriate material and another five to refine its high-volume, high-quality production.
QuantumScape’s initial performance data was based on tests of a single-layer cell, significantly smaller and simpler than a complete automotive battery pack. More recently, the company has announced successful testing of 4-layer cells.
Prieto commented that if QuantumScape’s results are validated, it represents a significant advancement in fundamental scientific understanding. She also noted that their substantial financial resources likely provide the means to address any potential scaling challenges.
Additional promising SSB startups include Ilika, based in the U.K., Ion Storage Solutions in Maryland, and BrightVolt in Indiana.
Investment Landscape in Solid-State Batteries
A significant influx of capital is being directed towards companies developing solid-state batteries (SSBs), with numerous traditional venture capital firms participating in funding rounds.
For instance, QuantumScape has secured investments from a diverse group including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, Fidelity Management & Research, Prelude Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Capricorn Investment Group.
Diverse Funding Sources
Beyond QuantumScape, other companies in the SSB space have attracted funding from a wide array of investors.
These include Samsung Venture Investment, Sanoh Industrial, Solvay Stand Up for Start-Ups, Emerald Technology Ventures, Donnelley, Rho Capital Partners, Helmet Capital, Texas Instruments, Ignite Group, Boeing, Total Carbon Neutrality Ventures, and Franklin Templeton Investments.
Governmental bodies are also actively contributing to the advancement of SSB technology.
U.S. Government Support
The IONICS program, operating under the Department of Energy’s ARPA research agency, has allocated $6.7 million to Ionic Materials.
This funding supports their work on creating a highly conductive solid polymer electrolyte, based in Massachusetts.
Ionic Materials’ $65 million Series C funding round in 2018 featured participation from Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi and Bill Joy, a co-founder of Sun Microsystems.
Bridging the Gap with Semi-Solid Electrolytes
24M, another recipient of IONICS ARPA funding, is focused on developing a semi-solid electrolyte.
Their approach aims to offer a solution that is both more affordable and safer than current lithium-ion battery technology.
Backed by Northbridge Venture Partners, CRV, and Itochu Corp., 24M has licensed its technology to FREYR, a European battery manufacturer preparing for a public offering via a SPAC.
Preventing Dendrite Formation
PolyPlus Battery received $8.6 million through the IONICS program to research a method of bonding a remarkably smooth glass surface to lithium electrodes.
This innovation is designed to prevent the formation of dendrites – microscopic metal fibers that can cause short circuits in SSBs.
Originating as a spin-off from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in 1991, PolyPlus entered into a strategic partnership with SK Innovation in 2019.
SK Innovation is currently a leading manufacturer of lithium-ion EV batteries, serving major automotive companies like Hyundai and Kia.
The Landscape of Battery Production
Future production of solid-state batteries (SSBs) is anticipated to be strategically located near automotive manufacturers. Currently, despite significant research and development efforts within the United States, only approximately 8% of all electric vehicle (EV) batteries – exclusively traditional lithium-ion – are domestically produced. Projections from Bloomberg NEF suggest this figure will decline further to just 6% by 2025.
Current Lithium-Ion Hubs
Within the U.S., a prominent lithium-ion battery manufacturing center is the expansive “Gigafactory” in Sparks, Nevada. This facility is a collaborative effort between Panasonic, a cell supplier, and Tesla, an electric vehicle manufacturer. While Panasonic is engaged in foundational research concerning SSBs, the majority of its investment remains focused on enhancing its existing lithium-ion battery cell technology.
Last July, the company unveiled advancements in its “2170” lithium-ion cells supplied to Tesla, resulting in a 5% increase in energy density and a reduction in the use of costly cobalt.
China's Dominance in the EV Market
Despite Tesla’s substantial presence in the U.S., China currently leads the world in electric transportation, accounting for nearly half of all EVs globally. The country’s influential regulatory environment and established supplier network have prompted Tesla to diversify its production capabilities, particularly after establishing its factory in Shanghai.
Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory utilizes batteries sourced from LG Energy Solution and CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer.
Solid-State Battery Development
Although Tesla has not publicly announced plans to incorporate SSBs into its vehicles, its supplier, CATL, has been actively researching this technology for over a decade. The timeline for bringing SSB technology to market remains uncertain, but CATL is reportedly aiming for solid-state batteries with energy densities approximately 33% greater than current lithium-ion packs.
Another potential adopter of SSBs is the Chinese EV company NIO, which announced intentions to offer a 150 kWh SSB in its vehicles starting in 2022, potentially supplied by Beijing Welion New Energy Technology Co.
Global SSB Initiatives
In Japan, Nissan is independently developing its own SSB technology, and Toyota has committed to being the first major automaker to offer an SSB-equipped EV “in the early 2020s,” with a prototype demonstration scheduled for later this year. General Motors, while focusing on its Ultium lithium-ion battery technology, is also actively exploring SSB options.
Established automotive manufacturers continue to rely heavily on lithium-ion batteries, even while investing in SSB research and development. LG Energy Solution provides li-ion batteries to Renault and Volkswagen, while Samsung SDI powers Audi and BMW vehicles.
Trade Disputes and Manufacturing Shifts
In the short term, trade disputes are expected to have a more significant impact on the automotive industry than technological advancements. SK recently lost a trade secret case against LG at the International Trade Commission, resulting in a 10-year ban on supplying EV batteries in the U.S.
Prieto expresses optimism that U.S. innovation will stimulate domestic manufacturing. She stated to TechCrunch, “As we construct new battery plants to satisfy increasing demand, improvements to these manufacturing facilities are essential.” Her hope is that these facilities will be built within the U.S., incorporating advanced automation and a skilled workforce.
The Future of U.S. Battery Production
Campbell cautions, “I am not observing the emergence of any viable American cell producers at this time.” However, he notes that the recent change in presidential administration is generating some momentum towards potential public-private partnerships aimed at maintaining manufacturing elements within the United States.
Emerging Applications for Solid-State Batteries
While widespread production of solid-state batteries (SSBs) remains a challenge, their potential is becoming increasingly evident in specialized sectors beyond mainstream electric vehicles. Currently, SSBs are primarily appearing in applications requiring limited production runs or serving specific needs.
Bolloré, a French industrial group with a long history, provides a compelling example of vertically integrated SSB utilization. Beginning in 2011, the company deployed its domestically manufactured solid-state batteries – produced in both France and Canada – within a fleet of bespoke electric vehicles for the Autolib’ car-sharing program across several European cities.
Despite the Autolib’ service concluding in 2018, Bolloré’s Blue Solutions division continues to leverage SSB technology. They are currently marketing SSB-powered city buses, with over 400 units already deployed globally.
Daimler has also adopted the Blue Solutions battery for its eCitaro G articulated buses. The manufacturer reports a 25% improvement in energy density compared to conventional lithium-ion battery packs, although charging times are comparatively longer.
Niche Markets and Specialized Uses
The advantages of SSBs are also being realized in other specialized areas. Sion Power, originating as a spin-off from Brookhaven National Laboratory in the 1980s, is preparing to provide SSBs to Thales Alenia Space-France for use in Stratobus, a high-altitude surveillance airship.
These highly energy-dense battery packs are projected to enable the solar-powered aircraft to maintain flight for extended periods, potentially up to two years. Sion Power is concurrently developing SSBs for emerging applications like eVTOL air taxis and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
Furthermore, Cuberg, a company stemming from research at Stanford University, has engineered an SSB that extends the flight duration of small drones by 70%. Cymbet, with facilities in Montana and Texas, asserts the creation of the world’s smallest SSB, designed for integration into miniature, chip-scale devices.
- SSBs are initially gaining traction in low-volume applications.
- Bolloré has successfully integrated SSBs into city buses and a former car-sharing scheme.
- Daimler utilizes Blue Solutions SSBs in its eCitaro G buses.
- Sion Power is supplying SSBs for a high-altitude airship.
- Cuberg and Cymbet are focusing on drone and chip-scale applications, respectively.
Near-Term Advancements Compared to Future Technologies
Despite the ongoing development of solid-state batteries (SSBs), lithium-ion technology continues to see significant improvements. Sila Nanotechnologies has engineered a silicon-based anode designed as a replacement for the traditional graphite anode found in lithium-ion batteries.
Although the resulting energy density increase (approximately 20%) isn't as substantial as that anticipated from SSBs, this new anode offers a more straightforward path to integration within existing manufacturing processes and facilities.
A recent funding round of $590 million, led by investors including Coatue, T. Rowe Price, and 8VC, has valued Sila Nanotechnologies at $3.3 billion.
Silicon Anode Innovations
Amprius Technologies, originating as a spin-off from Stanford University, is also focused on silicon anode development, utilizing the material in the form of minuscule nanowires.
In a published white paper, Sila CEO Gene Berdichevsky posited that the most impactful phase of innovation for lithium-ion technologies is yet to come.
He stated, “Solid state batteries are likely to be irrelevant… a niche player at best,” and further asserted, “Lithium-ion won’t be everything, but lithium-ion will be everything that matters.”
Challenges for Solid-State Battery Production
Corie Cobb, a professor specializing in clean energy at the University of Washington, expresses skepticism regarding the rapid arrival of SSBs.
She explained to TechCrunch, “We are still far away from full-scale production of solid state batteries.”
Cobb further noted that achieving the manufacturing efficiency required for affordable, long-range electric vehicles will necessitate a substantial, potentially complete, overhaul of current production lines.
Optimism and Accelerated Discovery
Despite these challenges, Prieto remains optimistic about the future of solid-state technology.
She observes, “Up until now, a lot of the discovery of new materials has been trial and error.”
However, she believes that advancements in computational science and machine learning algorithms are poised to dramatically accelerate the material discovery process.
Current and Future Applications
It is highly probable that your next electric vehicle will not be powered by an SSB.
However, as the electric vehicle market expands to encompass commercial vehicles, aerospace applications, off-road vehicles, and microtransit solutions, the commercial prospects for SSBs are becoming increasingly viable.
Note: This article has been updated to reflect successful testing of 4-layer cells by QuantumScape.