Three Major Automakers Reveal R&D Progress Within Two Days, Accelerating Mass Production of All-Solid-State Batteries Amid "Uncertainty"

With advantages such as high energy density, long lifespan, and safety, solid-state batteries have become a key focus for R&D among major automakers and battery manufacturers. The recent announcements within two days by three major OEMs, including Mercedes-Benz, Chery, and Dongfeng VOYAH, regarding their R&D progress indicate that the mass production and vehicle integration timetable for all-solid-state batteries is quietly accelerating amidst "uncertainties."

On February 25, a reporter from CLS learned from informed sources that VOYAH has initiated the technological iteration of its third-generation solid-state battery. The new generation of power battery systems will maintain an energy density of 300Wh/kg, increase the charge rate to 3-5C, achieve 0% electrolyte content, and enable ultra-wide temperature range operation.

"The company plans to leverage AI computing power to accelerate the industrialisation of solid-state battery R&D, which may drive breakthroughs in solid-state battery technology and its market adoption across the industry," a VOYAH insider told the reporter. As early as 2021, the company's first-generation half-solid state batteries were already in mass application in the Dreamer and Chasing Light pure electric vehicle models, with battery cell energy density reaching 230Wh/kg. In 2024, VOYAH conducted vehicle validation for its second-generation half-solid state batteries. The Chasing Light equipped with the second-generation battery achieved a pure electric driving range of 1,000 kilometers, with a 10-minute charge providing a range of 250 kilometers. In terms of safety, the battery cells could withstand 90% compression without catching fire or exploding, leading the industry in overall performance.

"Currently, there are four commonly adopted R&D routes for solid-state battery technology in the industry, and VOYAH has chosen a parallel development strategy with multiple technological routes."

Solid-state batteries are widely regarded as the key to the future of EV power. The day before, Chery's Wuhu solid-state battery laboratory initiated a tender for related equipment procurement. According to the tender announcement, the procurement scope includes new isostatic pressing equipment and charge-discharge equipment for the laboratory's pilot production line.

On the same day, Mercedes-Benz announced that its test vehicle equipped with all-solid-state batteries officially began road testing this month. Test results showed that the pure electric EQS test vehicle equipped with the battery achieved a 25% increase in driving range, with a single charge exceeding 1,000 kilometers. It is reported that the solid-state battery cells in the test vehicle were supplied by Factorial Energy, featuring lithium metal anodes and a system energy density of 450Wh/kg.

"Due to the potential use of expensive rare metals in solid-state battery electrolytes, along with higher production requirements and equipment investments, the overall cost of solid-state batteries is exorbitant, posing a major challenge for their mass production and application," an industry insider analyzed. Currently, there is no "perfect electrolyte" in the industry that meets all requirements. In addition to electrolytes, there are multiple options for solid-state battery cathodes and anodes, and interface issues remain a significant technical challenge. "In terms of manufacturing, there is also debate over dry and wet processes for solid-state batteries. Furthermore, the production of solid-state batteries involves higher technical requirements, such as high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, increasing equipment investment and production complexity. These factors make the path to mass production of solid-state batteries fraught with uncertainties."

In March last year, CATL Chairman Yuqun Zeng stated during a performance briefing that solid-state batteries are still far from commercialization. Using a scoring system to evaluate technology and manufacturing maturity (1 being entry-level and 9 being mature), the industry is currently only at level 4. CATL's Chief Scientist Kai Wu further remarked that the entire industry currently lacks the capability for mass production of all-solid-state batteries.

Although the optimal technological route for solid-state batteries has yet to be determined, to gain a first-mover advantage in the market, automakers such as BYD and Changan have recently announced their respective timetables for solid-state battery mass production. Changan recently responded to investors on its interactive platform, stating that the prototype of its "Golden Bell Shield" all-solid-state battery was unveiled at the "Beidou Tianshu 2.0" launch event on February 9. According to the plan, the company will debut a functional prototype vehicle equipped with solid-state batteries by the end of 2025, conduct vehicle validation in 2026, and gradually advance mass production of all-solid-state batteries in 2027.

"Chinese companies will achieve vehicle integration of all-solid-state batteries by 2027, while foreign companies may achieve this a year earlier, but it will not have a disruptive impact," predicted Minggao Ouyang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, during a media exchange at the China EV100 Forum on February 25. He emphasized that unless foreign companies can capture a significant market share, at least 1%, it cannot be considered truly disruptive. "As a global leader in power batteries, it will not be easy for foreign companies to disrupt the Chinese market. Even if China achieves vehicle integration of solid-state batteries a year later, it will not have a major impact on the industry."

Miao Wei, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and deputy director of the Economic Committee, previously also set the mass production timeline for all-solid-state batteries at 2027. Miao stated that although the industrialisation of solid-state batteries still requires addressing challenges in technology, processes, and costs, based on the current global R&D progress, small-scale production of all-solid-state batteries is expected to be achieved around 2027 as mass production technologies and processes gradually mature.