Solid—state batteries are heralded as the next significant advancement for electric vehicles (EVs) because they are lighter, safer, and more energy-dense.
As reported by Autohome, Chinese automaker SAIC Motor announced at a recent SAIC Group energy technology conference that it would begin integrating solid-state battery technology into its car brands starting next year. Initially, the company will introduce “semi-solid-state” batteries, which still utilize some liquid electrolyte, followed by “all-solid-state” batteries.
Semi-solid-state batteries are expected to appear in hybrid and electric SAIC-brand vehicles—such as MG, Baojun, and Wuling—beginning in 2025, with true solid-state batteries slated for 2026. This timeline aligns with SAIC’s projections from 2021, indicating steady progress towards its goals.
Rolling out solid-state batteries by 2026 would place SAIC, and by extension, the Chinese auto industry, years ahead of legacy automakers worldwide. Among these, Toyota has been a prominent advocate for the technology, having tested a solid-state EV prototype for years. However, Toyota does not anticipate significant battery production until 2030, with plans to produce only enough batteries for 10,000 EVs annually. Nissan aims to surpass this milestone sooner, targeting 2028, but this is a challenging feat for a company that has struggled to reclaim its EV leadership.
Achieving solid-state battery technology would significantly bolster China’s burgeoning automotive industry, which many Western nations view as a competitive threat; however, whether the timelines proposed by SAIC, Nissan, or Toyota are realistic remains to be seen. Solid-state batteries have been the focus of numerous claimed scientific breakthroughs, yet these have not consistently translated into commercial viability.
Even if the technology reaches this stage, the EVs powered by these batteries will still face consumer resistance due to various cultural factors. Overcoming this resistance remains one of the most significant hurdles to widespread EV adoption, but that is a topic for another discussion.