ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERIES
BUY AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE NOW OR WAIT UNTIL SOLID-STATE BATTERY TECHNOLOGY IS AVAILABLE
Article by Shaun Marnell
Car n Cab Care
www.carandcab.co.uk
What is a solid-state battery, what are the benefits for electric vehicles and when will they be available?
A battery is an energy storage device with positively and negatively charged terminals that connect internally through a conductive medium called an electrolyte. Solid-state batteries use a solid or semi- solid electrolyte, such as an alloy, polymer, paste, or gel, in contrast to the liquid polymer electrolyte found in most conventional batteries.
Solid-state batteries theoretically are lighter and offer much higher energy density within the same capacity than the typical lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries. They therefore offer more range, with a greater resistance to changes in temperature and are safer as the liquid element has been removed.
Being able to pack more energy into the same space means cars with big batteries can go even further on a charge – but it also means that cars with smaller batteries can go as far as those with big batteries do today. Charging is quicker too, so you could shrink batteries even further on the basis that stopping to charge won’t take as long.
In turn, being able to reduce the size of a battery pack while getting the same range has a knock-on effect; lighter cars should ride, handle, go, stop and steer better than a heavier one, but also require less energy to move, making it more efficient. Likewise, a smaller battery means more space for passengers and luggage.
Toyota started testing solid-state batteries as far back as 2014, while other Chinese and Korean manufacturers started in 2017. There have been recent announcements that initial prototypes of solid- state batteries will enter the market by 2026, with broader availability and mass production expected by 2028 -2030.
What about the cars to move these batteries?
Until a time when all manufacturers use the same technology, solid-state batteries will initially be double or triple the price of current electric vehicle batteries making the purchase price of these vehicles very expensive
Experts suggest that the electric vehicle market will eventually just be called the car market as by 2035 all vehicle manufacturers will only be making all-electric cars.
What about current battery technology now?
In the past year we have seen a 20% improvement in range and charging time, improving from 150 to 500 kwh. Some claim up to 400kw with ridiculously quick charging speeds of 15 minutes, with ranges of over 350 miles when charged using our regen fast chargers.
Will solid-state batteries charge as fast as these upgraded lithium-iron phosphate batteries
Some manufacturers, such as MG, have already moved to a semi solid-state battery. The MG4 77kw will be released in 2026 with a semi-solid battery and a range of 329 miles to 430 miles but we expect the charging speed to be lower.
6 OCTOBER 2025 PHTM
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