Solid-State Batteries Far From Mass Production, Expert Warns

Solid-state batteries, valued for high energy density and fast charging, may not reach mass production as soon as expected, despite automakers’ timelines targeting 2026.

Technical Challenges

At the 2025 China Automotive Forum, Wang Fang, Chief Scientist at China Automotive Technology Research Centre, highlighted four key obstacles for solid-state batteries. These include unclear ion conduction pathways, intricate manufacturing processes, insufficient safety measures, and challenges in scaling production. 

Safety Risks

Solid-state batteries offer broader safety margins than liquid batteries but pose severe risks if those limits are breached. Amid rising EV fire concerns, automakers are adopting rigorous testing protocols exceeding industry standards to ensure reliability, per Diachetong.

Several manufacturers have set solid-state battery goals. SAIC Group and GAC plan mass production by 2026, while BYD targets batch demonstrations by 2027. Toyota and BMW aim for 2030, but technical hurdles may delay these plans.

Market Dynamics Shift

The Chinese EV market (biggest in the world) is evolving, with plug-in hybrids growing 31.5 per cent and extended-range hybrids 16.5 per cent in early 2025, per China Passenger Car Association data. 

Advances in liquid lithium batteries, such as BYD’s platform delivering 400 km in five minutes, lessen the urgency for solid-state technology.

Battery swapping is expanding in China, with Nio operating over 3,000 stations, surpassing supercharging networks. This trend positions solid-state batteries as optional enhancements rather than essential innovations in the EV sector.

Cost Obstacles

Solid-state batteries cost ₹1,200 per kWh, over three times more than liquid lithium batteries, according to Battery Intelligence research cited by 36kr. High R&D expenses further drive up costs, limiting early adoption to premium vehicles.

So, scepticism persists about achieving mass production within five years due to technical and cost barriers. Automakers must address these challenges to realise solid-state batteries’ potential, balancing innovation with practical scalability in the global EV market.

Also read: 5 Battery Technologies That Could Replace Lithium-Ion in EVs