It seems like we’ve been hearing about how solid-state batteries are right around the corner for years, but now we’ve gotten some solid progress. According to CarNewsChina, BYD has committed to getting solid-state batteries into vehicles and on the road by 2027, but it’s not the only automotive manufacturer that has made real-world progress in getting solid-state batteries onto the market.
BYD plans to have solid-state batteries in widespread use by 2030
Electric vehicles are gradually gaining market share year after year, and with environmental regulations right around the corner, manufacturers are pushing to release the next generation of EVs. Among them are Chinese automakers who have seen their domestic EV market rapidly gaining ground.
While BYD is set on rolling out solid-state batteries in 2027, only BYD’s mid- and high-end electric vehicles will benefit from the new battery tech. It won’t be until 2030 that the Chinese automaker puts solid-state batteries in their more budget-friendly models.
With lithium-ion battery prices plummeting, it’s only a matter of time until solid-state batteries are the wiser investment. Even so, Lian Yubo, BYD chief automotive engineer, noted that the current lithium-iron-phosphate batteries aren’t going anywhere for at least another 10 to 15 years. They’ll remain an important factor in developing affordable EVs for the foreseeable future.
Interestingly enough, however, a German automaker might beat BYD to the punch when it comes to putting solid-state batteries into use.
Mercedes-Benz’s latest prototype puts a solid-state battery on the road
Mercedes-Benz has been working with Factorial Energy, an American battery start-up, for a few years. Now the duo are ready to put the fruits of their labor on the road as prototype Mercedes-Benz EQS comes equipped with a solid-state battery that’s ready for real-world applications.
While BYD hasn’t put a range on their solid-state batteries just yet, Mercedes-Benz stated that the EQS prototype is expected to deliver 620 miles, or 1,000 kilometers, of range. That’s a 25% improvement compared to the range of the current EQS, and it could go as high as 40%.
“Being the first to successfully integrate lithium-metal solid-state batteries into a production vehicle platform marks a historic achievement in electric mobility. This breakthrough demonstrates that solid-state battery technology has moved beyond the laboratory and into real-world application, setting a new benchmark for the entire automotive industry,” said Siyu Huang, CEO and Co-Founder of Factorial Energy.
A typical lithium-ion battery works by moving lithium ions between a cathode and anode through a liquid electrolyte to generate an electric current. Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte, as the name implies, that allows lithium ions to move back and forth to generate electricity.
The solid-state battery powering the Mercedes-Benz EQS prototype stores more energy by using a lithium-metal anode instead of a traditional graphite anode. The battery also uses a material that expands when it charges and contracts when it discharges.
Mercedes-Benz isn’t the only automaker Factorial Energy has partnered with. Stellantis and Hyundai Motor Group are also joining the developer in creating solid-state batteries, with a fleet of Dodge Charger Daytona EVs expected to begin road tests in 2026.
Final thoughts
It’s been years since automakers started claiming solid-state batteries will be arriving “soon.” Now, it seems the race to put the latest battery tech on the road and usher in the era of next-gen EVs is heating up. With Mercedes officially entering road tests and BYD planning a mass demonstration and installation between 2027 and 2030, it looks like we really will see solid-state batteries “soon” this time around.
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About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog