Korean, Chinese, and Japanese secondary battery companies are speeding up commercialization of all-solid-state batteries, called the "dream battery." All-solid-state batteries are safer and have higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes, allowing electric vehicles equipped with them to travel longer distances on a single charge.
According to the battery industry on the 18th, SK On recently completed an all-solid-state battery prototype plant at its Future Technology Institute in Daejeon. At this site, which is about 4,628 square meters (1,400 pyeong), the company will produce prototypes for client companies and verify the products' quality and performance. SK On plans to commercialize all-solid-state batteries in 2029, one year earlier than its previous target.
LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK On are working to commercialize all-solid-state batteries as soon as possible. An all-solid-state battery replaces the electrolyte that carries ions between the cathode and anode with a solid instead of a liquid. Compared with lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes, the risk of electrolyte leakage from external shock is eliminated, lowering the possibility of fire.
As safety improves, safety devices and separators to protect against temperature changes or external shocks are not needed, which can reduce volume. If, instead of using a separator, more cathode and anode material is added, energy density increases.
The battery industry believes all-solid-state batteries can achieve an energy density of 1,000 watt-hours (Wh) per liter (L), higher than lithium-ion batteries (700–800 Wh/L). In that case, electric vehicles equipped with all-solid-state batteries could travel 600–900 kilometers on a single charge. However, prices are high and there are many technical challenges to solve, so development is progressing slowly.
China is also active in developing all-solid-state batteries. Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment, a Chinese battery manufacturing equipment specialist corporation, announced earlier this month that it had established a production process for all-solid-state batteries.
Gotion High-Tech, a Chinese secondary battery manufacturer, plans to start mass production next year of semi-solid-state batteries, an intermediate step between lithium-ion and all-solid-state batteries. Another secondary battery manufacturer, EVE Energy, opened an all-solid-state battery laboratory in Chengdu, China. CATL plans to begin mass-producing all-solid-state batteries in 2027.
Toyota of Japan began researching all-solid-state batteries around 1995. In 2008, it established a next-generation battery laboratory and, together with the government and academia, began developing all-solid-state batteries. Toyota holds patents related to all-solid-state batteries and plans to sell electric vehicles equipped with them in 2027.
A battery industry official said, "In preparation for the electrification era, we are conducting research not only on lithium-ion batteries but also on all-solid-state batteries and salt batteries."