Feature: Consumer electronics


Solid-state battery prototypes show promising performance beyond the lab


Making the SSBs Te manufacturing process continues to be a major obstacle, requiring more development than initially anticipated. Producing SSBs requires precise control over solid electrolyte layers at scale, and stable interfaces between materials under manufacturing conditions. An extremely tight tolerance across high-volume production is also needed, as well as an entirely new production environment compared with conventional Li-ion manufacturing. Tese are more than incremental


adjustments to existing processes that are required; a structural shiſt in how batteries are designed and manufactured is needed. As a result, focus has shiſted largely toward manufacturing innovation and development rather than chemistry alone. Among them are techniques like dry electrode coating, which reduces cost and environmental impact and improves efficiency. Still, significant work is needed before reliably adopting them at scale.


Costs and supply chains Whilst manufacturing remains complex, unsurprisingly cost is also one of the most significant barriers to adoption. It was always anticipated for early stage production of solid-state batteries to be expensive, particularly due to low yields and specialised materials and processes. In parallel, Li-ion technology also


continues to advance, making it difficult for SSBs to compete directly with technology that is so well established. Te shiſt toward lithium ion phosphate batteries, which are cheaper per kWh than high- nickel alternatives, has further increased cost pressure on SSB adoption. Te path to adoption is therefore expected to be gradual, moving from a pilot production to limited commercial integration in niche applications with specific requirements, and then eventually reaching broader scale, once costs are lower. Te successful scaling of SSBs is also


highly dependent on coordination across complex supply chains and industrial partnerships. Battery developers must align early with OEMs, material suppliers


Progress of SSBs


has not been as rapid as expected, but it’s been steady, with a positive impact


and production partners, particularly in sectors such as EVs, where product development cycles require long lead times and early integration decisions. Commercialisation will therefore depend as much on industrial coordination as on technical breakthroughs. Many OEMs in the EV sector are


becoming increasingly vertically integrated, including in battery cell, module and pack manufacturing, as well as battery manufacturing equipment, which may facilitate some of the coordination required.


IP – a critical strategic layer Alongside technical and regulatory developments, the intellectual property landscape is becoming increasingly important. Innovation in this space is not limited to battery chemistry; it also spans manufacturing methods, battery cell, module, pack design and, increasingly, recycling processes. As a result, the patent environment surrounding SSBs is dense and fast moving. Companies entering the field must not only develop their own technologies but also ensure they can operate within an increasingly complex web of existing rights. Trade secrets also


remain an integral part of many businesses’ intellectual property strategy. Additionally, the growing focus on


sustainability is opening new areas for innovation and protection, particularly in low-carbon manufacturing and circular design. For many organisations, getting the IP strategy right will be just as critical to their business as solving the technical challenges. In commercial terms, SSBs in 2026


should be viewed as a technology in transition. Pilot production is continuing to expand, and partnerships between developers and manufacturers are strengthening. Looking to the future, this technology’s success will depend on several important factors. Manufacturing processes require continuous development, costs need to come down and supply chains must adapt. Additionally, companies will must navigate an increasingly complex intellectual property landscape whilst still meeting sustainability expectations. Despite all this, the direction of travel


is clear: Progress may not have been as rapid as initially expected, but it has been steady and is already having a positive impact. With each incremental advance, the gap between the hypothetical and reality continues to shrink. Solid-state batteries are no longer a


distant concept, constantly edging closer to commercial implementation. Whilst the transition is likely to continue being gradual, the impact of this technology will be significant. As it continues to evolve, it is set to play an increasingly important role in shaping the next generation of energy storage.


www.electronicsworld.co.uk July/August 2026 37


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