EV News: Chinese Firms Unite to Build Solid-State Batteries
China’s top automakers and battery giants formed an all-star lineup to accelerate the development of solid-state EV batteries.
EV News: Chinese Firms Unite to Build Solid-State Batteries
China’s top automakers and battery giants formed an all-star lineup to accelerate the development of solid-state EV batteries.
The Chinese government led the creation of the China All-Solid-State Battery Collaborative Innovation Platform (CASIP) last month. It brings together the country’s top academics and experts from electric vehicle (EV) companies, including BYD, CATL, and NIO.
China controls most of the global EV battery market, with BYD and CATL alone responsible for over 50% of the supply. The two Chinese firms provide batteries for the world’s top EV manufacturers, including Tesla, Toyota, BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and Kia.
Beijing seeks to solidify its global monopoly by ramping up investment in research and development (R&D) of next-generation battery technology. The initiative includes creating a supply chain encompassing Asia, North America, and Europe.
Solid-State vs Lithium-Ion
Chen Qingtai, China EV100 President, stressed that solid-state EV batteries represent the future of the EV industry. Theoretically, solid-state batteries will outmatch their lithium-ion counterparts in every major metric.
- Size and weight — solid-state batteries are more compact. Hence, they can deliver a level of performance only found in larger EVs like the Tesla Cybertruck with smaller vehicles like electric scooters.
- Capacity and Range — a solid-state battery can deliver several times the output of a lithium-ion battery of the same size. One manufacturer claimed it is researching a prototype that can cover 745 miles (1,200 kilometers) on a single charge.
- Charge Time — current-gen EVs may require up to 12 hours to recharge. Meanwhile, a solid-state EV battery can go from empty to full in 20 minutes.
Conclusion
Solid-state batteries may be superior to lithium-ion batteries. However, it will take a few more years before the technology becomes widely available. For now, lithium-ion batteries remain the best in the market.
The Flash Motors Infinity X premium hyperscooter uses one of the most powerful batteries in the industry. Its 72V/29.40Ah Samsung 21700 50GB battery grants it a max range of 70 miles (110 kilometers).
