China May Have Multiple Breakthroughs in EV Solid-State Battery Technology
China may have just achieved multiple breakthroughs in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology with new solid-state battery innovations that could offer more than 600 miles of range while weighing only around 220 pounds. For reference, batteries typically used in Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) models weigh well over 1,200 pounds.
What Are Solid-State Batteries?
A solid-state battery uses a solid electrolyte instead of the conventional liquid-based solution. This change can result in a more compact size, tighter packaging, improved safety, and faster charging times—making it a promising advancement in EV technology.
Key Breakthroughs by Chinese Researchers
According to a report by China Central Television (CCTV), several teams of Chinese scientists have made significant progress with solid-state battery components:
– **“Special Glue” Using Iodine Ions:** Researchers at the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, developed what they call a “special glue” involving iodine ions. During battery operations, these ions attract lithium ions and pass through gaps, forming a continuous bond between the electrolyte and electrode.
– **Flexible Electrolyte Skeleton:** Scientists at the Institute of Metal Research and the Chinese Academy of Sciences created a special electrolyte skeleton described as a “flexible transformation.” This skeleton can increase battery capacity by 86% and withstand up to 20,000 bends and twists without damage.
– **Fluoro Reinforcement Protective Layer:** A team at Tsinghua University developed a protective fluorine layer around the electrode. This technology survived needle penetration tests and high-temperature chamber tests up to 120°C without exploding, significantly enhancing safety.
Global Competition in Solid-State Battery Development
Solid-state batteries are considered the next frontier for EVs, with many companies worldwide investing in their development:
– **Toyota & Sumitomo Partnership:** Toyota Motor Corp (NYSE: TM) recently announced a partnership with Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. (OTC: SMMYY) to procure cathode materials aimed at supporting solid-state battery development.
– **Stellantis and Factorial Energy Collaboration:** Stellantis NV (NYSE: STLA) unveiled plans to use Factorial Energy’s solid-state batteries in a demonstration fleet by 2026. These batteries reportedly achieve an energy density of 375 Wh/kg, support over 600 charge cycles, and operate in temperatures ranging from -22°F to 113°F.
– **QuantumScape and Volkswagen Demo:** QuantumScape Corp (NYSE: QS), in collaboration with Volkswagen’s PowerCo, successfully demonstrated its first solid-state lithium-metal battery powering an electric motorcycle.
– **Microvast’s Innovative Design:** Microvast Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: MVST) is developing solid-state batteries featuring a bipolar stacking design. Though still in early stages, this technology shows potential to enhance battery performance as EV tech continues to evolve.
China Leads Global Battery Installations
Chinese companies remain dominant in global battery installations. Contemporary Amperex Technologies Ltd. (CATL) and BYD Co. Ltd. (OTC: BYDDY) (OTC: BYDDF) together control over 50% of the market share.
Recent data shows battery installations from January to August reached 691.3 GWh—a 34.9% year-over-year increase. CATL accounted for 254.5 GWh, while BYD held second place with 124.8 GWh of batteries installed worldwide.
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**Related News:** Tesla Rival BYD Issues Recall for More Than 115,000 Vehicles Over Battery-Related Safety Risks
*Photo courtesy: Natee Meepian / Shutterstock.com*
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