Supplement: Power
hearing aids, and smartwatches to replace existing coin cell batteries.4
Figure 1: A comparison between Li-ion and solid-state batteries. (Source: AllahFoto/
stock.adobe.com)
Overcoming production and scalability challenges
The potential for solid-state batteries is abundantly clear. But a note of realism needs to be introduced. Several technical and manufacturing hurdles exist, including production complexities, scaling difficulties, material compatibility, longevity, and costs. In general terms, solid electrolytes have lower ionic conductivity than organic electrolytes - especially at room temperature - limiting the performance of solid-state batteries. They can also be relatively brittle, which can make them less durable. During manufacturing, producing solid-state batteries requires the fabrication of thin, defect-free layers of solid electrolyte and the facilitation of ultra-fine precision contact with the electrodes. These processes require highly accurate engineering and control. Scaling such processes also presents quality and consistency obstacles that must be surmounted for commercial viability to be achieved.
According to a 2024 article titled Advancements and Challenges in Solid-State Battery Technology: An In-Depth Review of Solid Electrolytes and Anode Innovations, material selection and cost also represent obstacles that must be overcome.3
questions over the cost-effectiveness of solid- state batteries. Also, the search for compatible electrode materials that can work efficiently with these solid electrolytes adds another layer of manufacturing constraint.
Recent advances in solid-state battery commercialisation These challenges aside, intensive research and development efforts have been made with solid-state batteries, and several companies
have moved towards commercially viable products—albeit at a relatively small scale. TDK, for example, has introduced a proprietary material for its CeraCharge solid-state batteries. The next-generation technology offers an energy density of 1,000Wh/L, approximately 100 times greater than the energy density of TDK’s early-stage solid-state batteries. TDK says the technology could be integrated into wearable devices like wireless earphones,
Meanwhile, global automotive companies like Mercedes-Benz are also making moves into solid-state commercialisation. The company recently announced a partnership with US startup Factorial to devise a solid-state battery that could dramatically increase EV range by around 80 per cent compared to today’s average performance. The new sulphide-based battery, called Solstice, has an energy density of 450Wh/kg and maintains stability when operating at temperatures over 190°F (90°C). The battery is also claimed to be one-third the size of typical Li-ion batteries, which helps to deliver a weight saving of 40 per cent.5 Toyota has announced plans to introduce its first solid-state battery by 2027/2028 for its next-generation battery EVs. The battery is expected to offer a driving range of approximately 1,000km (621 miles), with a fast-charging time of 10 minutes or fewer for a state of charge of 10 to 80 per cent. The company has also confirmed the development of an even higher specification Li-ion solid- state battery, which it says will target a 50 per cent improvement in cruising range compared to its Performance series Li-ion liquid electrolyte batteries.6
Conclusion: A pivotal moment for solid-state battery adoption Solid-state batteries are causing quite a stir across multiple sectors. The technology holds enormous potential in EVs, consumer electronics, and IoT networks, with the inherent weight, safety, durability, and energy density advantages significantly enhancing performance. However, there is still some way to go before widespread adoption, as engineers grapple with the challenges of manufacturing, scalability, and consistency.
That said, continued advancements in nanotechnology, materials science, and electrochemistry will likely help address the current challenges, paving the way for widespread adoption. With companies such as TDK, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota making plans and products public, the momentum behind solid-state batteries has reached a tipping point, making them a good bet for the future.
Figure 2: Traditional EV battery packs are bulky and complex—negative attributes that solid-state batteries can mitigate. (Source: Sergi/
stock.adobe.com)
The article
authors say that finding suitable materials for solid electrolytes with high ionic conductivity, mechanical strength, and stability can be burdensome. Many of the promising solid electrolyte materials are costly or complex to synthesise in sufficient quantities, raising
www.cieonline.co.uk
References 1
2 3 4
https://www.precedenceresearch.com/solid-state-battery-market
https://electronica.de/en/discover/industry-portal/detail/solid-state-battery-the-holy-grail-in-battery-research.html https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10010029
https://www.tdk.com/en/news_center/press/
20240617_01.html
5
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/mercedes-teams-up-with-factorial-develop-solid-state-batteries-2024-09-10/ 6
https://media.toyota.co.uk/toyota-sets-out-advanced-battery-technology-roadmap/ Components in Electronics December/January 2025 29
https://www.mouser.co.uk/
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