The largest battery manufacturer in the world has just tempered the excitement surrounding solid-state electric vehicles.

      Robin Zeng, the chairman of CATL, indicates that solid-state battery technology is still in the laboratory development phase and that significant market introduction is not expected before 2030.

      Solid-state batteries have been touted as a revolutionary technology for electric vehicles, offering greater energy density, quicker charging, and enhanced safety compared to current lithium-ion batteries. However, the leader of the world's largest battery manufacturer advises caution for potential buyers.

      Dr. Robin Zeng shared with Caijing Magazine (via CarNewsChina) that mass commercialization of solid-state batteries will not be feasible before the year 2030. The company has established a production volume threshold of 1 million vehicles to validate large-scale deployment, a target that remains unattainable in the near future. When solid-state batteries eventually hit the market, Zeng noted that their initial use will be limited to premium vehicles costing over 250,000 yuan (approximately $37,000).

      The manufacturing issue

      The main challenge stems from the solid-state interface within the battery. Currently, CATL employs a warm isostatic pressing method at 6,000 atmospheres to fuse components, but materials with varying compaction densities often lead to structural misalignments under that pressure.

      These irregularities increase internal resistance and speed up cell deterioration, making mass production unfeasible for the time being. Zeng rated all-solid-state chemistry at level four on the nine-point Technology Readiness Level (TRL), indicating that the technology is still in the validation and prototype stages.

      What CATL is currently pursuing

      While the research on solid-state batteries progresses, CATL is depending on traditional liquid-electrolyte batteries to satisfy present demand. The company is also investigating sodium-ion technology as an alternative to diminish reliance on lithium in the supply chain.

      The cautious assessment from CATL’s chairman holds significant weight, considering the company’s size and power over global battery supply chains. While other manufacturers and research groups make bold assertions about breakthroughs in solid-state technology, the firm that would have to produce them at scale is taking a more prudent stance.