The automotive and energy storage industries are accelerating their progress towards solid state batterieswith announcements ranging from strategic alliances to prototypes ready for validation. In Europe, where supply and industrial competitiveness are key, these moves mark a turning point for the next generation of electric vehicles.
Meanwhile, major manufacturers are outlining deployment schedules that mostly converge at the end of the decade, as production processes are refined and progress is made in energy densitysafety and costsThe common message is clear: the technology is maturing and entering a validation phase with an eye toward large-scale manufacturing.
What do solid-state batteries offer?
In front of the conventional lithium-ion cellsASSBs replace the liquid electrolyte with a solid one, with advantages in Thermal stabilityThis results in less degradation and the possibility of integrating high-performance materials for the anode and cathode. The outcome points to more energy in the same volume and more efficient use of space in the vehicle.
Several recent developments report up to double the energy density per volume and greater charging power acceptance, with estimated recharge times around a third shorter than current standards. These improvements, if confirmed in production, would allow for extended range or a smaller battery pack without sacrificing performance.
Furthermore, the use of processes such as dry electrode It promises to cut costly and energy-intensive steps by eliminating solvent drying in manufacturing. The challenge lies in achieving uniformity and repeatability on a large scale, an essential requirement for automotive homologation.
- Higher energy density and potential for autonomy higher.
- Improved thermal performance and lower risk in the face of critical events.
- possibility of faster charge with less stress on the cell.
- New production processes (e.g., dry electrode) with efficiencies potential
Calendar and key partnerships
In Europe, BMW has taken a significant step by partnering with Samsung SDI and Solid Power to evaluate solid-state cells with an electrolyte developed by the latter. The plan includes manufacturing cells in a large-scale environment and validating them in next-generation evaluation vehicles, with a view to their commercialization if they meet the agreed requirements.
This collaboration combines Samsung SDI's ASSB prismatic cells with Solid Power's expertise in solid electrolytes, while BMW handles the modules and packages. Although the Bavarian brand is moving towards architectures of cell to package Without modules in its new class of electric vehicles, the current cooperation focuses on modules and packages to accelerate testing and comparisons.
Nissan, for its part, claims that its prototypes have met internal performance targets: double energy density and greater charging power, which in practice would translate into greater range and faster recharging. The company already operates a pilot line in Yokohama and maintains its roadmap towards mass production starting in fiscal year 2028, with a cost target in the region of 75 USD/kWh.
To achieve this, Nissan is collaborating with the American company LiCAP on dry electrodesThis is a critical component for scaling up production. The challenge now is to stabilize processes, ensure the quality of large-format electrodes, and guarantee repeatability in industrial cycles—essential steps before moving to serial volumes.
From Japan also come plans from Toyota, which intends to introduce solid-state technology initially in a high-performance model, with Target range of up to 1.200 kmAlthough popularization would come later, technical integration into existing electric platforms would pave the way for its deployment across wider ranges over time.
In China, the Chery group (parent company of OMODA, JAECOO and LEPAS) has announced a solid-state module of 600 Wh / kgWith claims of 1.300 to 1.500 km per charge and safety tests passed against punctures without ignition or smoke, the company anticipates the start of its commercial rollout in 2027, intensifying the global competition to be first to market.
Impact in Europe and Spain
For the European market, where the BMW value chain and suppliers such as [unclear] play a central role Samsung SDIThe validation of ASSB would represent a leap forward in range, charging, and packaging, with a direct impact on the competitiveness of electric vehicles manufactured in the region. It is also strategic for reducing dependence on critical supplies.
In environmental terms, Transport & Environment (T&E) points out that these batteries can significantly reduce carbon footprint Thanks to its higher density and lower material requirements per kWh. The effect would be even greater if the raw materials came from sources with less environmental impact, such as lithium extraction from geothermal brines compared to conventional methods.
The race is global: in the US, some developers are working with initial industrial capacity targets, and in Asia, announcements are multiplying. pilot lines and schedules of production. Europe is positioning itself with its own projects and technological alliances to avoid missing the boat on the next generation of batteries.
Manufacturing challenges and costs
The transition from prototypes to mass production depends on mastering interfaces solid-electrodeto control the microstructure of the dry electrode and maintain high yields with consistent quality. Each process step must be repeatable, traceable, and compliant with automotive standards.
In terms of costs, the targets around 75 USD/kWh They set a benchmark for expanding access to electric vehicles with long range and faster charging. Achieving them requires simultaneous improvements in materials, processes, and scalability, as well as resilient and diversified supply chains.
If performance, safety, and durability validations converge with industrial maturity, solid-state batteries will be ready to move from the laboratory to the road within the timeframes manufacturers are working with, with a tangible impact on the European market and in the continent's climate goals.
