“With a stream of major cell suppliers regularly announcing ‘major’ breakthroughs in solid-state cell technology, it is proving difficult to discern the reality of the state of play at present.” This from GlobalData’s dedicated research platform, the Automotive Intelligence Center, which was released today as an analyst’s comment.*
“The harsh reality is that 90% of news, plans and solid-state plant activity appears to be bogus, as start of production (SOP) dates slip or vanish, with this being particularly true of information coming from China,” said Oliver Petschenyk Powertrain Analyst at GlobalData.
“One major player in the solid-state landscape announced very recently that it was re-focusing its efforts on cost reduction and given that its primary focus is solid-state, one does question the likelihood of a strong business case underpinning the product. Theoretically, solid-state cells offer a true benefit to the light vehicle automotive market because, in their most basic form, such cells are volumetrically more energy-dense than current mass market solutions as there is much less ‘wasted’ space between the current collectors.
“However, in reality, achieving a mass production-capable product remains a long way off. Indeed, multiple companies are claiming that they have achieved the manufacture of solid-state batteries (SSBs) already, but they are produced very expensively and only in small batches, and yes, they do offer an energy density benefit, but there is still no real business case until manufacturing methods become significantly cheaper.
“The most promising research in solid-state technology from a mass-manufacture viability standpoint seems to suggest a ceramic-based electrolyte which is layered with the electrodes. But therein lies the mass manufacture issue – the core material is ceramic/glass meaning that the structure is incredibly fragile. On top of this, the interface between the current collectors needs to be so perfect that factories would need to be hermetically sealed, and the equipment used would need to be at a nanometer level of precision, somewhat like the semiconductor industry.
Solid-state cell technology has been on many companies’ agendas for a long time, but postponed release dates – a well-known Japanese OEM being the worst in this regard – and other companies dialing back investments indicate a low likelihood of true solid-state coming to fruition this decade in the light vehicle sector. Semi-solid-state cells offer slightly greater manufacturing tolerance with some such cells using an inert liquid to act as a ‘transfer’ device to aid molecular transfer. In fact, a China-based major car manufacturer does offer a 150kWh semi-solid-state battery pack for use on the roads today. But at a cost of more than €35,000, it isn’t currently an option to be factory-fitted and sold along with the car, rather customers can rent this battery at a daily or weekly charge, said Petschenyk.
*GlobalData
GlobalData says that “4000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.” J.D. Power is also part of GlobalData. Inquiries at: [email protected]
Solid-State Cell Technology – All Hype No Production Way?
“With a stream of major cell suppliers regularly announcing ‘major’ breakthroughs in solid-state cell technology, it is proving difficult to discern the reality of the state of play at present.” This from GlobalData’s dedicated research platform, the Automotive Intelligence Center, which was released today as an analyst’s comment.*
“The harsh reality is that 90% of news, plans and solid-state plant activity appears to be bogus, as start of production (SOP) dates slip or vanish, with this being particularly true of information coming from China,” said Oliver Petschenyk Powertrain Analyst at GlobalData.
“One major player in the solid-state landscape announced very recently that it was re-focusing its efforts on cost reduction and given that its primary focus is solid-state, one does question the likelihood of a strong business case underpinning the product. Theoretically, solid-state cells offer a true benefit to the light vehicle automotive market because, in their most basic form, such cells are volumetrically more energy-dense than current mass market solutions as there is much less ‘wasted’ space between the current collectors.
“However, in reality, achieving a mass production-capable product remains a long way off. Indeed, multiple companies are claiming that they have achieved the manufacture of solid-state batteries (SSBs) already, but they are produced very expensively and only in small batches, and yes, they do offer an energy density benefit, but there is still no real business case until manufacturing methods become significantly cheaper.
“The most promising research in solid-state technology from a mass-manufacture viability standpoint seems to suggest a ceramic-based electrolyte which is layered with the electrodes. But therein lies the mass manufacture issue – the core material is ceramic/glass meaning that the structure is incredibly fragile. On top of this, the interface between the current collectors needs to be so perfect that factories would need to be hermetically sealed, and the equipment used would need to be at a nanometer level of precision, somewhat like the semiconductor industry.
Solid-state cell technology has been on many companies’ agendas for a long time, but postponed release dates – a well-known Japanese OEM being the worst in this regard – and other companies dialing back investments indicate a low likelihood of true solid-state coming to fruition this decade in the light vehicle sector. Semi-solid-state cells offer slightly greater manufacturing tolerance with some such cells using an inert liquid to act as a ‘transfer’ device to aid molecular transfer. In fact, a China-based major car manufacturer does offer a 150kWh semi-solid-state battery pack for use on the roads today. But at a cost of more than €35,000, it isn’t currently an option to be factory-fitted and sold along with the car, rather customers can rent this battery at a daily or weekly charge, said Petschenyk.
*GlobalData
GlobalData says that “4000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.” J.D. Power is also part of GlobalData. Inquiries at: [email protected]