Electric vehicles (EVs) share many similarities with their gas-powered counterparts, such as seats, tyres, and the steering wheel’s function. However, the most significant difference, which could determine the widespread adoption of EVs, lies in the battery technology. This has led to intense research in the automotive industry, particularly in the development of “solid state” batteries. Unlike the lithium-ion batteries currently in use, solid state batteries have the potential to significantly enhance vehicle range, reduce charging times, and eliminate the risk of battery fires.
While it’s not yet possible to purchase an EV with a solid state battery, progress is being made. Toyota has entered a manufacturing deal aimed at commercialising its technology by 2028, with the potential for a vehicle range exceeding 900 miles. Honda is also working on solid state batteries in its Tokyo lab, with plans to introduce a vehicle equipped with this technology later in the decade. Other major EV manufacturers, including Mercedes, Volkswagen, and China’s Nio, are also exploring similar avenues.
In the future, solid state batteries could power not just cars but also trains, planes, and trucks, paving the way for broader electrification of transportation than we currently envision.
A solid state battery functions similarly to other batteries, storing and releasing energy to power devices, including vehicle motors. The key difference lies in the internal materials. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which contain a liquid electrolyte, solid state batteries use solid electrolytes. This change allows them to store significantly more energy—between two to ten times the capacity of lithium-ion batteries, according to AutoWeek.
However, the reason EVs don’t yet use solid state batteries is due to the current challenges in producing them on a large scale. Although they are already used in smaller devices like smartwatches and pacemakers, scaling up to the size needed for vehicles is costly and complex. EVs are already more expensive than gas-powered vehicles, and the added cost of solid state batteries could deter consumers. Additionally, these batteries require extensive testing to ensure they can withstand the demands of everyday driving. If all goes well, luxury EVs featuring solid state batteries might enter the market in the 2030s.
Solid state batteries promise to match or even exceed the range of gas-powered cars. For example, a gas car with a 15-gallon tank that gets 30 miles per gallon can travel 450 miles before needing to refuel. Most current EVs have a range of 200 to 300 miles, with the Rivian R1T offering 410 miles and the Lucid, a luxury model, achieving 516 miles on its 2024 version. With solid state technology, these ranges could increase by 50% to 80%, making long road trips more feasible.
Safety is another advantage of solid state batteries. Unlike the flammable liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries, solid state batteries significantly reduce the risk of fire. Though lithium-ion battery fires are rare, they can be catastrophic, requiring thousands of gallons of water to extinguish. Transitioning to solid state batteries would enhance safety for drivers and first responders alike, marking a significant advancement in EV technology.
Ilika plc (LON:IKA) is a pioneer in solid state battery technology enabling solutions for applications in Industrial IoT, MedTech, Electric Vehicles and Consumer Electronics.
