What are Solid State Batteries?
Solid state batteries utilize a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid or polymer electrolyte found in lithium-ion batteries commonly used today. The solid electrolyte allows for better stability and safety compared to liquid electrolytes which can catch fire if the battery is damaged or subjected to extreme temperatures. Solid state batteries also promise higher energy density, faster charging times, and potentially longer lifecycles than lithium-ion batteries.
However, Solid State Battery present engineering challenges to mass production that have prevented them from entering the consumer market. The solid electrolytes are typically ceramic or glass-like materials that are more difficult to work with compared to liquid electrolytes. Manufacturers must address issues like interfacial bonding between the solid electrolyte and other battery components while maintaining high ion conductivity.
Advances in Materials and Manufacturing
Over the past decade, researchers have made steady progress developing new solid electrolyte materials and figuring out how to manufacture them at scale. The most promising solid electrolytes show ionic conductivities on par with liquid electrolytes but remain stable and non-flammable. Most major battery and automotive companies now have dedicated R&D programs pursuing different solid electrolyte chemistries and fabrication techniques.
A few approaches gaining attention include thin film deposition and tape casting of ceramic electrolytes. Thin film technologies like sputtering or atomic layer deposition could precisely deposit solid electrolyte layers only a few nanometers thick. Tape casting involves dispersing solid electrolyte particles in a slurry, casting it into thin flexible tapes, and compressing the tapes into dense electrolyte sheets. Both methods aim to produce strong interfaces between solid layers while maintaining high production speeds.
In September 2021, Toyota and Panasonic announced a joint venture to build a pilot production line for automotive prismatic solid state batteries by March 2024. This indicates the companies believe issues around scale-up and costs can be resolved within the next couple years. Other battery startups claim to have demonstratable solid state cells and are looking for partnerships to commercialize. The landscape is constantly evolving as barriers to mass production are chipped away.
Applications Beyond Consumer Electronics
While solid state batteries may first enter the market powering phones, laptops, and other portable devices, their true potential lies in larger applications that demand high energy density. The auto industry stands to gain tremendously from solid state technology, which promises to extend electric vehicle ranges while reducing costs. Solid state designs could even enable new electric vehicle form factors no possible with today's batteries.
In addition to EVs, standby power applications, grid storage, and other special utility markets may adopt solid state batteries very quickly once available at scale. Their stability and non-flammability make them ideal for backup power installations where safety is critical. Grid-scale storage could benefit from solid state's fast charge/discharge rates to smooth out intermittent renewable power. Military, aerospace, and medical devices have significant interest as well for applications requiring high power density in small sizes.
Cost Predictions
Most analysts predict solid state battery production costs will reach parity with lithium-ion within 5-7 years as manufacturing technologies progress. Mass production techniques can drive down materials and processing expenses, bringing solid state prices within reach of lithium-ion on a $/kWh basis. However, the higher energy density of solid state designs means they could offer a lower overall pack cost even at a small premium per kWh. The long cycle life may also offset any initial production premiums over time.
Current market forecasts by research groups like Avicenne Energy and Allied Market Research estimate the automotive solid state battery market could grow to over $6 billion by 2030. The overall solid state battery market including consumer electronics and grid storage is projected to surpass $25 billion that same year. As more automakers commit to electrification targets this decade, solid state technology could become a critical enabler of EVs with 300 mile+ ranges required to match gas vehicles. Success in pilots over the next few years will determine if these estimates come to pass.
Get More Insights On - Solid State Battery
Get this Report in Japanese Language:
Get this Report in Korean Language:
About Author:
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
(LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alice-mutum-3b247b137 )
