Solid-state batteries

Late last year, I had the chance to check out the world’s first semi-solid-state batteries designed for electric bicycles. At EICMA 2025, I visited T&D, an electric mobility company that was spun out of e-bike component maker Bafang (and founded by the same co-founder of Bafang, Sunny He). There I saw the first production-destined semi-solid-state e-bike batteries.

At the time, it was a big secret which company would be the first to put them into e-bikes and get those new batteries on the road. But now we’ve finally learned who will claim the title: Giant.

Solid-state EV batteries have entered a “critical stage,” BYD’s chief scientist, Lian Yubo, said during a seminar this week.

Semi-solid-state batteries are already expanding from the first passenger EVs to new segments, including flying cars and light trucks.

After introducing the first mass-produced EV with a semi-solid-state battery, MG Motor said it will bring the new battery tech to Europe by the end of 2026. In China, the new MG4 with a semi-solid-state battery starts at under $15,000. Although not that cheap, the new EV is expected to remain affordable in Europe.

Solid-state batteries are called the “holy grail” of EV battery tech for a reason, right? The new battery tech is quickly moving from the lab to the real world, with some claiming to unlock over 800 miles of driving range.

CATL filed an international patent, detailing how its solid-state battery cell and electrolyte material can help overcome one of the biggest challenges in bringing the new tech to market.

After launching the first mass-produced EV with a semi-solid-state battery last year, SAIC Motor is following it up with the new MG 4X electric SUV.

ION Storage Systems says it has hit a key milestone in bringing solid-state batteries out of the lab and into real-world use.

Another major Japanese automaker is jumping into the race for the “holy grail” of EV batteries after buying out an all-solid-state battery business.

On today’s extraordinary episode of Quick Charge, we reflect on the fact that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and both Donut Labs AND Tesla are a long long way from turning everyone into believers.

After securing another major partnership, Factorial is closing in on bringing its “groundbreaking” all-solid-state EV battery platform to global markets.

Chinese battery manufacturers already account for well over 50% of the global market, but new battery types, including solid-state, are rolling out, promising to be safer, more efficient, and safer.

The world’s largest producer of lithium metal, Ganfeng Lithium, has reportedly begun mass-producing semi-solid-state batteries with an impressive energy density of 650 Wh/kg. The lithium giant has supply deals with Tesla, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and several other major OEMs for key EV battery materials.

China will release a standard for solid-state EV batteries later this year as several automakers begin testing the new battery tech in vehicles.

Automakers, battery manufacturers, and companies from around the globe are racing to bring solid-state EV batteries to market, promising significant improvements in energy density, charging, and driving range.

Toyota has been working on a solid-state pilot program with Japanese refining oil giant Idemitsu Kosan since 2023 — but we’re way past that now. The companies have decided to move ahead with a new factory to produce solid electrolyte for all-solid-state EV batteries.

The world’s leading EV maker is preparing to introduce new battery chemistries to stay a step ahead of the competition. After a series of breakthroughs, BYD is expected to begin producing solid-state EV batteries as soon as next year.

Solid-state battery developer QuantumScape is off and running in 2026, inaugurating its shiny new Eagle Line for pilot production. Eagle Line lays the groundwork for scaled solid-state battery production and will produce cells to support OEM customer sampling.

Solid-state EV batteries, deemed the “holy grail” of battery tech, are moving from the lab to reality, even in the US.

Just how big is the market for humanoid robots? Big enough to soak up a whopping ~75 GWh of solid-state battery capacity between now and 2035 – nearly 1500x growth!

Japanese oil giant Idemitsu Kosan broke ground on a large-scale solid electrolyte pilot plant in collaboration with Toyota on Thursday. The electrolytes made at the facility will be used in all-solid-state batteries for EVs developed by Toyota.