Explainer: How could solid-state batteries improve next-gen EVs?
13/06/2023 07:25
TOKYO/SINGAPORE, June 13 (Reuters) - Toyota Motor
7203.T has said it is moving toward production of solid-state
batteries for the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs),
bringing a technology that promises more energy storage and
faster charging closer to market.
HOW ARE SOLID-STATE BATTERIES DIFFERENT?
Solid-state batteries use thin layers of solid electrolytes
that carry lithium ions between electrodes.
The lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries widely in use, by
contrast, use liquid electrolytes.
Solid-state batteries have been used in small electronic
devices such as pacemakers and smart watches. Mass-market
production of the batteries for EVs has been slower to develop.
Toyota said it has overcome an issue with the durability of
solid-state batteries that would pave the way for production,
which it expects to begin in 2027-2028.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF SOLID-STATE BATTERIES?
They have been called "the grail" of battery development and
"the kiss of death" for combustion-engine offerings because of
their power and the driving range possible on a single charge.
Solid-state batteries can hold more energy than liquid
lithium-ion batteries, a gain that would potentially speed the
transition to EVs by addressing a consumer concern: range.
A Reuters poll in March found 35% of Americans surveyed
wanted EVs with ranges of 500 miles or more (804 km or more), a
distance few currently offer.
Solid-state batteries have also been promoted as a way to
reduce charging time.
Toyota said it expects its solid-state battery would have a
charging time of 10 minutes or less. By comparison, the Tesla
Supercharger network, the largest of its kind, offers the
equivalent of 321 km of charge in 15 minutes.
There is also safety. The electrolyte in liquid lithium-ion
batteries is volatile and flammable at high temperatures,
meaning there is a risk of fire or chemical leaks.
WHY IS IT DIFFICULT TO MANUFACTURE SOLID STATE BATTERIES?
Automakers and technology companies have produced
solid-state battery cells for EVs in prototype, but have been
unable so far to scale to mass production.
It is hard to design a solid electrolyte that is stable and
chemically inert and yet is still a good conductor of ions
between the electrodes. They are also expensive to fabricate and
prone to cracking.
That has made solid-state batteries far more expensive than
liquid lithium-ion batteries.
Toyota did not disclose cost estimates for its new
solid-state battery EV or the additional investment it would
have to make to ramp up production.
WHO'S TRYING TO MAKE THEM?
Most major automakers - with the exception of Tesla TSLA.O
- have disclosed development efforts or partnerships.
Toyota has been pushing solid-state battery development and
has teamed with Panasonic 6752.T on related projects.
Nissan Motor 7201.T , the first automaker to launch a
mass-market EV with the Leaf, has said it is developing
solid-state batteries and is working toward mass production by
2028.
Honda is developing solid-state batteries but has not
detailed a timeline for bringing them to market.
U.S. battery start-up QuantumScape QS.N , backed by Bill
Gates and Volkswagen VOWG_p.DE , has said it has contracts with
six electric vehicle makers, including Volkswagen.
Automotive Cells Co, a venture between Mercedes-Benz
MBGn.DE , Stellantis STLAM.MI and TotalEnergies TTEF.PA ,
has an agreement to develop solid-state batteries with
Taiwan-based battery maker ProLogium Technology.
Ford F.N and BMW BMWG.DE have invested in U.S.-based
startup Solid Power SLDP.O , which is producing prototype
batteries. Hyundai Motor 005380.KS , another Solid Power
investor, has said it plans to mass produce solid-state
batteries by 2030.
Tesla has not detailed solid-state battery development
plans. The EV market leader has been focused on the rollout of
more powerful 4680 cells for its Cybertruck and other vehicles.
(Reporting by Tim Kelly, Sayantani Ghosh and Kevin Krolicki;
Editing by Christopher Cushing)
((kevin.krolicki@thomsonreuters.com; +813 6441 1800; Reuters
Messaging: kevin.krolicki.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))