According to industry experts, the emerging technology of solid-state batteries has the potential to threaten the dominance of Chinese car battery companies, which is why they need to be aware and open to this new technology.
Technologically advanced countries are placing high stakes on potentially revolutionary solid-state battery technology, which could give them an advantage in the next round of global competition in the electric vehicle segment.
Ouyang Minggao, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a professor at Tsinghua University, says, “China is a pioneer in car batteries, but due to the breakthrough potential of solid-state batteries, the country is at risk of falling behind other countries that are pioneering new technologies.”
Currently, China is a leader in the production of car batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in electric vehicles. Compared to lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries use solid electrodes and are characterized by higher theoretical energy density and safety.
Solid-state batteries can be divided into semi-solid-state batteries and fully solid-state batteries. Some Chinese companies are on their way to commercializing semi-solid-state batteries and are conducting research on fully solid-state batteries.
Ouyang argues, “China should maintain a strategy of gradually developing more semi-solid-state batteries while also preparing for significant disruptions resulting from the adoption of fully solid-state batteries.”
Chen Qingtai, the chairman of China EV100, a think tank, agrees: “In order for China to maintain strong positions in the global automotive sector in the coming decades, it is necessary to develop solid-state battery technology and begin mass production.”
According to Chen, solid-state battery technology is considered the most promising next-generation battery technology worldwide. Japan, South Korea, Europe, the United States, and other leading markets are accelerating research, development, and deployment in the medium and long term.
Chen adds, “Therefore, it is very important to have an objective understanding of the characteristics of fully solid-state batteries and increase targeted investment in research and development.”
According to a report by CITIC Securities, by 2025, the global penetration rate of solid-state batteries will reach approximately 1.7%, with worldwide shipments reaching 38 gigawatt-hours.
Currently, China, Japan, and South Korea are fiercely competing in the global battery market. Japan, which has dedicated its national efforts to developing solid-state batteries since 2018, currently has the highest number of patent applications in this field. Toyota also set a goal in June of last year to commercialize such batteries as early as 2027. The Japanese company currently holds over 1,300 patents related to solid-state batteries. In comparison, the total number of patents held by Chinese battery companies in the field of fully solid-state batteries is less than 100 as of October 2023. Guangzhou Automobile Group Co, a leader in the domestic market, has announced plans to install self-developed fully solid-state batteries in vehicles by 2026.
Ouyang says, “The industrialization of fully solid-state batteries in China still faces a series of scientific problems that need to be solved at various levels, including key materials, interfaces, composite electrodes, and single cells. Currently, research and development of fully solid-state batteries in China lack unified understanding. The industry, academic environment, and research groups are not coordinated. It is necessary to join forces to create a common innovation platform for the collaborative development of these technologies.”
During a conference earlier this week, Miao Wei, former Minister of Industry and Information Technology, emphasized that Chinese companies should develop solid-state batteries. He stressed that the development of such batteries requires a balance between technological progress and economic viability.
Miao says, “During the development process, it is necessary to fully leverage the role of market mechanisms and government intervention. The commercialization of solid-state batteries can be best achieved through cooperation with car companies. The appropriate quality-to-price ratio is the only choice for battery firms if they want to gain the trust of car manufacturers.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
1. How can the new technology of solid-state batteries threaten Chinese car battery companies?
Answer: The new technology of solid-state batteries, characterized by higher energy density and safety, can give other countries an advantage in the electric vehicle segment and, therefore, pose a threat to Chinese companies.
2. Which countries are focused on developing solid-state battery technology?
Answer: Technologically advanced countries such as Japan, South Korea, Europe, and the United States are focusing on research, development, and implementation of solid-state battery technology.
3. What are the differences between lithium-ion batteries and solid-state batteries?
Answer: Lithium-ion batteries consist of liquid electrolytes, while solid-state batteries use solid electrodes. Solid-state batteries have higher theoretical energy density and are safer to use.
4. Which companies are conducting research on solid-state batteries in China?
Answer: Some Chinese companies are conducting research on commercializing semi-solid-state batteries, while others are researching fully solid-state batteries. An example is Guangzhou Automobile Group Co, which plans to install fully solid-state batteries in vehicles by 2026.
5. What are the projections for the global penetration rate of solid-state batteries?
Answer: According to a report by CITIC Securities, by 2025, the global penetration rate of solid-state batteries will reach approximately 1.7%, with worldwide shipments reaching 38 gigawatt-hours.
6. What are the differences in patent numbers between Japan and China in the field of solid-state batteries?
Answer: Japan currently has the highest number of patent applications related to solid-state batteries, and Toyota plans to commercialize such batteries as early as 2027. In contrast, Chinese battery companies hold less than 100 patents for fully solid-state batteries.
7. What are the challenges for the industrialization of fully solid-state batteries in China?
Answer: The introduction of fully solid-state batteries in the Chinese automotive industry involves various scientific problems to solve, such as key materials, interfaces, composite electrodes, and single cells.
8. What is the importance of collaboration between car companies and battery companies for the commercialization of solid-state batteries?
Answer: Miao Wei, the former Minister of Industry and Information Technology, emphasizes that the commercialization of solid-state batteries can be best achieved through cooperation with car companies. It is important to maintain an appropriate quality-to-price ratio to gain the trust of car manufacturers.
Suggested related links:
– Toyota – electric vehicle manufacturer
– China EV100 – think tank for the development of the automotive sector
The source of the article is from the blog meltyfan.es