BYD aims to implement solid-state batteries in vehicles.

There has been a lot of talk about solid-state batteries in recent years, and now we are finally seeing some real progress. BYD, a major automotive company, has announced that they plan to start using solid-state batteries in their vehicles by 2027. However, they are not the only car maker making strides in this area; other companies are also working to bring solid-state batteries to market.

The demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is steadily increasing each year, influenced by both consumer interest and new environmental regulations. With the market for EVs expanding rapidly, especially in China, companies are keen to roll out new technology. While BYD aims to launch solid-state batteries in 2027, these advanced batteries will initially only be available in their mid- and high-end electric models. It won’t be until 2030 that solid-state batteries are expected to be included in their more affordable options.

The cost of lithium-ion batteries has been decreasing significantly, leading many to believe that solid-state batteries will become the more cost-effective choice for electric vehicles soon. However, Lian Yubo, BYD’s chief automotive engineer, warns that lithium-iron-phosphate batteries will still play a crucial role in the production of affordable EVs for another 10 to 15 years.

In an interesting turn of events, a German company might actually launch solid-state batteries before BYD. Mercedes-Benz has been collaborating with Factorial Energy, an American battery startup, to test solid-state battery technology. Recently, they introduced a prototype of the Mercedes-Benz EQS that features this innovative battery and is ready for real-world testing. This prototype is expected to achieve an impressive range of 620 miles (1,000 kilometers), which is a 25% increase compared to the current EQS model. The range may even reach up to 40% more.

Siyu Huang, the CEO of Factorial Energy, announced that integrating lithium-metal solid-state batteries into a production vehicle marks a significant milestone in the electric vehicle industry. This achievement shows that solid-state battery technology is moving from the lab into actual use, setting a high standard for the automotive sector.

To explain how solid-state batteries work, they differ from traditional lithium-ion batteries. In conventional batteries, energy is generated by moving lithium ions between an anode and a cathode through a liquid electrolyte. In contrast, solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte, allowing lithium ions to shift back and forth without the liquid component. The solid-state battery within the Mercedes-Benz EQS uses a lithium-metal anode instead of the usual graphite anode, resulting in greater energy storage. Additionally, the materials in this battery expand when charging and contract during discharging.

Mercedes-Benz is not the only company working with Factorial Energy; Stellantis and Hyundai Motor Group are also collaborating to develop solid-state batteries. Road tests for the new Dodge Charger Daytona EVs are expected to begin in 2026.

After years of anticipation, it seems the competition to introduce solid-state battery technology is intensifying. With Mercedes-Benz moving forward with road tests and BYD planning large-scale implementation between 2027 and 2030, it looks like solid-state batteries are truly on the horizon.