Major battery breakthrough confirmed

Solid-state batteries might actually be closer than we think.

New research from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and published in international academic journal Advanced Materials, shows a huge leap forward in the game-changing technology.

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They are more energy dense, which means you can use smaller battery packs to deliver longer driving ranges, which helps reduce weight and boost efficiency. 

Solid state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid or gel found in current electric car batteries. This allows for rapid transfer of power between the cathode and anode.

Solid-state cells are also less prone to fire, making them safer than conventional batteries.

The Chinese researchers have managed to develop a new material that greatly improves the energy flow and stability of the batteries.

The research said the new material improved the energy density by 86 per cent compared to conventional batteries.

The paper does state that this new construction is still in the development stage and hasn’t been shown to work in mass production yet.

Some of the carmakers working on solid-state batteries include: BMW, Chery, GWM, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, MG, Nissan, Toyota and VW.

BMW and Mercedes-Benz have fitted the batteries to prototype vehicles, the others have not publicly confirmed any tests.

Battery manufacturers and carmakers have had trouble developing the futuristic batteries at scale due to their complex nature.

Hyundai Group's head of global product planning, Spencer Cho, told US publication Automotive News that the technology is more complex than many realise.

“I don’t think we can commercialise these batteries before 2030,” said Cho.“There is a lot of uncertainty about the progress of solid-state batteries,” he said.

It echoes similar comments made to CarsGuide last year by one of Audi’s senior drivetrain engineers, who said the technology wasn’t likely to be feasible for ‘everyday’ cars in the foreseeable future due to the minuscule manufacturing margins of error required.

Toyota Executive Vice President Hiroki Nakajima also cast doubt on the tech earlier this year, too.

“...development is always unpredictable. Frankly, there’s no telling if it will work out or not,” said Nakajima.

"I always take encouragement from Chairman Toyoda’s reminder that, ‘It’s okay to fail’.”

Many carmakers claimed solid-state batteries would be in cars by 2025 or there abouts. It appears the science is harder than many thought, but the breakthrough cells are inching closer to a reality.