Episode Details

BYD and CATL are key players in the development of solid-state batteries, which promise increased energy density, enhanced safety, and faster charging times for electric vehicles. BYD anticipates "demonstration use" of all-solid-state batteries around 2027, with large-scale adoption potentially after 2030. BYD's research began in 2013, and they have produced trial solid-state battery cells with capacities of 20 Ah and 60 Ah in 2024. BYD is focusing on sulfide electrolytes due to cost and process stability considerations. While liquid lithium batteries are approaching their theoretical energy density limit of 350 Wh/kg, BYD expects all-solid-state batteries to reach 500 Wh/kg. BYD believes costs will become comparable to liquid ternary batteries as production scales up.

CATL aims to produce all-solid-state EV batteries by 2027, initially in small batches, while also acknowledging that high production costs could remain a challenge. CATL is also focusing on the sulfide route for all-solid-state batteries and had entered the trial production stage of 20 Ah samples.

Both companies face challenges including high production costs and complicated integration4. Recent developments in solid-state battery technology have focused on overcoming limitations of ionic conductivity and interfacial resistance.