Transition from Lithium to Solid-State Batteries in Power Battery Industry

China has become the undisputed leader in the global power battery sector, holding the largest market share for six consecutive years. Today, it has the world’s most comprehensive and robust power battery industry system, with nearly 50,000 enterprises actively engaged in the booming lithium battery market.

Why Liquid Lithium Batteries Are Reaching Their Limits

With the rapid rise of new energy vehicles, the limitations of traditional liquid lithium batteries are becoming more obvious. Key issues include:

• Low energy density, which limits driving range and fails to ease consumer “range anxiety.”
• Heavy weight, affecting overall efficiency.
• Poor low-temperature performance, reducing reliability in colder climates.
• Safety risks at high temperatures, raising concerns about thermal stability.

These challenges have driven growing interest in solid-state batteries as the next-generation solution.

A Century-Long Development Path

The concept of solid-state batteries dates back to the early 20th century, when German chemist Walter Ernst Moesl first proposed solid electrolytes. However, real progress began much later.

In 2010, Toyota unveiled a prototype solid-state battery with a driving range exceeding 1,000 km—sparking global attention. Since then, automakers and research institutions worldwide, including Toyota, Nissan, BMW, and Volkswagen, have invested heavily in developing this technology.

Battery technology tends to evolve in cycles of about 30 years. Lithium-ion batteries entered the automotive field around the year 2000. By 2030, the industry expects a full-scale shift toward new materials and solid-state electrolytes, with commercialization of mature solid-state batteries becoming possible.

Industry Transition Timeline

• 2000s: Lithium-ion batteries began entering the auto industry.
• 2010–2020: The power battery sector expanded, with smarter technologies driving innovation across the supply chain.
• 2020–2030: The focus shifts to solid-state technology, with the goal of achieving stable and commercially viable production by 2030.

Why Commercialization Has Been Slow

Despite their potential, solid-state batteries are not yet mass-produced for vehicles. For example, Toyota initially planned to launch solid-state batteries between 2015 and 2020, claiming they would eliminate range anxiety. Yet, more than a decade later, widespread commercial use is still out of reach.

There are several reasons:

1. Technical Barriers – While solid-state batteries promise higher energy density, faster charging, and better safety, challenges remain in material science and large-scale manufacturing.
2. Cost Challenges – The production of solid electrolytes and related components is still expensive, and cost reduction is critical for market competitiveness.
3. Market and Supply Chain Readiness – Beyond technology, consumer acceptance of new energy vehicles needs to improve. At the same time, the supply chain—including recycling and reuse systems—must be fully developed to support large-scale adoption.

The Road Ahead

Many experts agree that mass production of solid-state batteries before 2030 is unlikely. The next decade is viewed as a critical window of opportunity for R&D. Companies that can solve key material and cost issues, while preparing their supply chains, will have a strong chance of leading the next battery revolution.

For now, the race continues—and the world is watching closely to see if China can extend its dominance in lithium-ion batteries into the solid-state era.