The Future of Electric Vehicles is powered by Solid-State Batteries

With the potential of excellent safety, simplified battery pack design, and higher energy densities, solid-state batteries becoming extremely popular

High costs associated with the initial stage development of solid-state batteries are expected to hinder the commercial viability of the product

Out of all the Electric Vehicles (EVs), Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) constitutes around 95% to 99% of those batteries. This is despite the widely known fact that the rechargeable battery isn’t optimal for safety or resource-utilization. However, these days big automotive players are progressing towards solid-state batteries — a decision that is dubbed the game-changer for the EV market.

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First introduced in 2015, Volkswagen kicked off the solid-state battery acquisition race when it obtained a 5% stake in QuantumScape, then Dyson acquired Sakti3, Bosch bought out SEEO, and Johnson Battery Technologies sold its solid-state batteries to BP. More electric vehicle companies joined this game, such as BMW partnered with Solid Power, Ionic Materials worked with Hyundai, although in 2017, both Bosch and Dyson abandoned the two companies they acquired in 2015.

Then in 2020, we saw further interests in solid-state batteries for electric vehicles, such as the newly developed solid-state batteries based on argyrodite electrolyte by Samsung, and a further US$200 million investment by Volkswagen on QuantumScape. Besides those, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Fisker, Panasonic, CATL also get involved in this game.

Are Solid-State Batteries the Future of Electric Vehicles?

Liquid lithium-ion batteries have some inherent shortcomings which limit the potential of electric vehicles. Solid-state batteries, an emerging technology, could deliver improved performance at a comparatively low cost. The technology is still under development and automobile companies are vying to be the first to introduce this technology in the market.

A potential alternative to liquid lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are solid-state batteries (SSBs) which use solid electrodes and electrolytes rather than liquid or polymer electrolytes. The adoption of SSBs is expected to be a gamechanger for electric vehicles (EVs) as these batteries offer high performance and safety at a lower cost.

SSBs have been under research for some time and are finally ready to enter the EV market. Several automobile companies are racing to be the first to launch the revolutionary battery.

The global SSB market is estimated to expand from USD 62 million in 2020 to USD 483 million by 2027, at a CAGR of 34.2%. One of the main growth drivers is expected to be the rising application of SSBs in EVs.

Why solid-state batteries for EVs?

Realistically speaking, most EVs have a range of fewer than 300 miles and it takes more than an hour to recharge their battery packs. The cells also lose nearly a third of their capacity within a decade, and they pose a serious safety risk because of their flammable materials. The decades-known solution has been the solid-state battery, and it’s simply because, instead of a conventional liquid electrolyte, the stuff that ferries lithium ions between electrodes uses a solid electrolyte.

Also, the battery’s negative terminal, called its anode, is made from pure lithium metal. This combination would send its energy density through the roof, enable ultra-fast charging, while also eliminating the risk of battery fires. As EVs account for about 60% of all lithium-ion batteries made today, IDTechEx predicts that solid-state batteries will represent a US$6 billion industry by 2030.

SSBs have many advantages such as lower flammability, higher-potential cathodes, improved cycle characteristics, higher stability, increased life span, ease of fabrication, better electrochemical stability, and higher energy density compared to liquid batteries. However, the most attractive feature of SSBs is their ability to increase the range of EVs by 80% compared to LIBs.

One of the leading developers of SSBs, QuantumScape, has shared the performance data for the batteries based on its R&D activities. The company has managed to overcome critical issues related to charging time, cycle life, safety, and operating temperature, among others, making SSBs ideal for EVs.

The Future of Electric Vehicles is powered by Solid-State Batteries

Major advantages of SSBs

Increased safety – SSBs use flame-retardant electrolytes, making them less susceptible to fire accidents. This makes them a much safer option than LIBs, which use liquid electrolytes; battery leakage poses a threat to the entire vehicle.

High energy density – The energy density of SSBs can be increased per kg as these batteries are 80–90% thinner and have higher decomposition voltage than LIBs. This results in enhanced energy density and consequently high power output. This, in turn, could significantly raise EVs’ driving range, thereby eliminating the requirement for frequent charging.

Fast charging – Liquid electrolytes tend to heat up due to fast charging which is risky for vehicles. As SSBs do not have liquid electrolytes, they provide higher safety compared to liquid LIBs, making them highly attractive in the EV market.

Low cost – Installation and maintenance costs of conventional liquid LIBs are very high. This is mostly attributed to scarcity of raw materials such as cobalt. SSBs are considered comparatively cost-effective.

The manifold benefits of SSBs have resulted in several automobile brands in the Original Equipment Manufacturers segment investing in the technology:

QuantumScape, a Bill Gates-backed start-up, has received USD 100 million from Volkswagen for the development of SSBs. The company has already worked on a prototype single-layer pouch cell. QuantumScape has reported attractive features such as battery recharge up to 80% in 15 minutes; this would enable a car to cover thousands of miles even in extreme temperatures.

Volkswagen is aiming to manufacture one million EVs by 2025, including SSB-powered vehicles.

Solid Power, a company working on SSBs, has received an investment of USD 20 million from BMW. The automobile company plans to launch 12 different models of EVs by 2025.

Toyota is leading the race for the launch of SSB-powered EVs. It has already initiated its pilot projects. However, a fully commercialized vehicle is expected to enter the market only by 2030. Toyota has also formed a joint venture with Panasonic to develop innovative next-generation SSBs for EVs.

Hyundai has invested in a US-based start-up, Ionic Materials, which develops solid-state electrolyte materials. Hyundai plans to launch SSB-powered EVs by 2025.

Current challenges

The biggest challenge facing SSBs is related to the dynamics of the solid electrolyte and electrode interface (cathode (or anode)/electrolyte interface). In solid electrolytes paired with lithium anodes, the lithium metal has been found to penetrate to the Li/solid electrolyte interface during electrodeposition and extend through the bulk of the solid electrolyte, causing short circuits and battery damage. Additionally, Li/ solid electrolyte interfaces are thermodynamically unstable. Structural and chemical changes naturally occur upon contact and under electrochemical operation; this could alter ion transport characteristics and mechanical integrity.

The development of high-performance all SSBs would require greater control over the evolution and reactivity of the solid electrolyte/electrode interface.

Outlook

Despite being neither safe nor sustainable, LIBs are ruling the EV market. These batteries are easily flammable, release toxic gases, and are contributing to the depletion of cobalt reserves. These issues make SSBs a promising alternative to LIBs.

Apart from EVs, another area where SSBs could be used is miniaturization of consumer electronics. Manufacturers of wearable devices and consumer electronics such as Samsung (South Korea), LG Electronics (South Korea), and Panasonic (Japan) would require miniature power sources. These companies are developing flexible, small devices with high power density, a requirement that could be fulfilled by thin-film batteries, like SSBs.

Accordingly, SSBs are increasingly attracting interest and receiving significant investments for further research. The market is poised to grow and these batteries may well be the future of EVs.