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Charging up: The solid-state battery is coming
26/3/2025
8 min read
Feature
Solid-state batteries (SSBs) promise to be smaller and lighter, more powerful and safer, more durable and faster-charging. The only problem is the technology is not here yet. Selwyn Parker explains what’s in the pipeline.
Waiting impatiently for the arrival of this alternative to the conventional lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery are the automative, shipping and aviation industries among others. One concern is that rising demand for lithium will reverse the long-term decline in the price of Li-ion batteries that has collapsed since they were first commercialised in the early 1990s.
As the former Chief Technology Officer of Britishvolt, Dr Allan Paterson, stated at the launch of a British consortium to develop a prototype SSB: ‘Solid-state is the holy grail of battery solutions. SSBs have the potential to increase energy density significantly over battery technology available today and could dramatically, and positively, change the world of electric vehicles.’
Although Britishvolt collapsed, since that prediction three years ago automakers have made considerable progress. In September 2024, Mercedes Benz and battery start-up Factorial Energy showcased a concept car equipped with a solid-state battery boasting an energy density of 450 Wh/kg, which could increase range by 80% and reduce weight by as much as 40%. By comparison Tesla’s 4680 Li-ion battery cell has a much lower density of 272–296 Wh/kg, according to EV news site electrek.