New Evaluation Criteria, Major Technological Breakthroughs: Frequent Positive News on Solid-State Batteries. How Far Have Companies Progressed? [SMM Hot Topic]

SMM News on May 26: In recent years, solid-state batteries have gradually gained market acceptance due to their advantages over traditional lithium batteries, including higher safety, higher energy density, and longer cycle life. The combined effects of policy support, technological breakthroughs, and market demand have also brought unprecedented development opportunities to the solid-state battery market. Leveraging their unique advantages, solid-state batteries are gradually opening doors to emerging application fields such as eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) and robotics, while accelerating their penetration into rigid demand scenarios like consumer electronics and electric vehicles (EVs), potentially giving rise to a vast trillion-yuan-scale market.

It is worth mentioning that there have been frequent positive developments in the solid-state battery sector recently.On May 22, according to CCTV News, the China Society of Automotive Engineers officially released the group standard "Determination Method for All-Solid-State Batteries," which, for the first time, clarifies the definition of all-solid-state batteries, addressing issues such as vague industry definitions and the lack of testing methods, thereby laying the foundation for technological upgrades and industrial applications.

The new standard stipulates that for a battery to be classified as an "all-solid-state battery," ion transfer must occur exclusively through a solid electrolyte, establishing a strict technical demarcation from hybrid solid-liquid electrolyte batteries. The core research point of this group standard is a test method for liquid substance content based on weight loss rate, which involves vacuum heating to measure the weight loss rate. When the sample shows no visible liquid and the weight loss rate is below 1%, it is classified as an all-solid-state battery. Supported by multiple rounds of validation tests, this method boasts a low error rate and stable results, applicable to various mainstream technological approaches.

In addition,on May 21, CCTV News reported that researchers from the Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science at the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, led by Researcher Wang Chunyang, in collaboration with an international team, recently achieved a significant breakthrough. They developed an inorganic/organic composite solid-state electrolyte using a three-dimensional electronically insulating yet mechanically elastic polymer network, effectively suppressing lithium metal deposition, interconnection, and the resulting short-circuit failures within the solid-state electrolyte, thereby significantly enhancing its electrochemical stability. This research finding was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society on May 20.

SMM has compiled recent developments related to solid-state batteries from major enterprises, as detailed below:

[CATL: Small-Batch Production of All-Solid-State Batteries Expected in 2027]

During an investor activity survey in mid-May, CATL stated that the company is continuously and resolutely investing in all-solid-state batteries, with its technology at the forefront of the industry. Small-batch production is expected to be achieved in 2027.

[BYD: Anticipates Large-Scale Commercialization of Solid-State Batteries After 2030, Covering 40,000 Mainstream Car Models]

BYD has been engaged in the R&D of solid-state batteries since 2013 and plans to conduct demonstration applications from 2027 to 2029. It will adopt a technological combination of sulphide electrolyte + high-nickel ternary cathode + silicon-based anode, achieving an energy density of 400Wh/kg (double that of traditional batteries). The first batch of 1,000 high-end car models will be equipped with this battery, with a driving range exceeding 1,000 kilometers, and external supply will also commence simultaneously. It is expected to achieve large-scale commercialisation after 2030, with the goal of achieving "parity between solid-state and liquid-state batteries" through large-scale production and process optimisation. By 2030, it will cover 40,000 mainstream car models, and by 2033, installations will reach 120,000 units, gradually replacing liquid-state batteries.

[Gotion High-tech: Has completed construction of the first pilot line for all-solid-state batteries, with a designed capacity of 0.2 GWh]

During a previous survey of investor activities, Gotion High-tech mentioned that the company is focusing on breakthroughs in new-type battery technologies such as solid-state batteries and accelerating the industrialisation process of R&D achievements. With long-term R&D investment, the company has successfully established a semi-solid-state battery product system covering various forms including cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch, with specific product models and performance indicators tailored to the development and production needs of different customers. The company has achieved significant breakthroughs in all-solid-state battery technology, launching the automotive-grade all-solid-state battery "Jinshi Battery".

The energy density of the battery cells in the company's Jinshi Battery pilot samples has reached 350 Wh/kg, with a 150% increase in single battery capacity compared to previous models, reaching 70 Ah. Meanwhile, the preload force has decreased by 90%, requiring only MPa-level pressure to operate. In addition, the Jinshi Battery has passed a series of rigorous safety tests, including nail penetration, thermal box, external short circuit, overcharge, and squeeze tests, demonstrating excellent safety performance. Meanwhile, the preliminary development and application work of the Jinshi all-solid-state battery PACK system has been completed, and on-board road testing has commenced. The company will continue to promote the commercial application process of all-solid-state batteries as planned.

In addition, Gotion High-tech also stated that the company has completed construction of the first pilot line for all-solid-state batteries, with a designed capacity of 0.2 GWh. Currently, the Jinshi Battery is in the pilot production stage. Meanwhile, the company has officially initiated the design work for the first-generation mass production line of all-solid-state batteries, laying the foundation for future mass production. For relevant progress, please refer to the company's publicly disclosed information.

[Delphi Technologies: Will accelerate the industrialisation of solid-state batteries]

The company has established a pilot production line for solid-state battery samples in Shanghai and is conducting various technical tests. Currently, the company possesses the capability to trial-produce various samples and can tailor corresponding solutions according to customer needs in different application scenarios and various technical requirements. Based on the development and validation of solid-state battery customers and market demand, the company is currently actively promoting and implementing the subsequent pilot line and mass production line bases. In terms of solid-state batteries, the company will combine market demand to accelerate the industrialisation of its solid-state batteries and apply them to NEVs, drones, robots, power tools, and other fields as soon as possible to seize market opportunities.

[Farasis Energy: The company's solid-state battery commercialisation progress is leading, with shipments ranking among the top in the industry]

Farasis Energy previously stated on an investor interaction platform that the company's solid-state battery commercialisation progress is leading, with shipments ranking among the top in the industry. The first-generation semi-solid-state battery entered mass production and vehicle installation in 2022. The second-generation semi-solid-state battery is expected to enter mass production in H2, and will be first applied in high-value scenarios such as the low-altitude economy and humanoid robots, which is expected to further boost revenue from solid-state battery products. In terms of customer cooperation, the company's solid-state battery products have gained recognition from leading customers across multiple fields, including GAC, Dongfeng, SANY, FAW Jiefang, a leading US eVTOL customer, a leading domestic flying car customer, Shanghai EHang, and Geely AeroHT.

[Sunwoda: Sunwoda plans to achieve an energy density breakthrough of over 700Wh/kg for all-solid-state batteries by 2027]

According to relevant media reports, Sunwoda has developed two generations of aviation battery products based on semi-solid-state technology, with energy densities reaching 320Wh/kg and 380Wh/kg, respectively. Sunwoda plans to achieve an energy density breakthrough of over 700Wh/kg for all-solid-state batteries by 2027 and is planning to construct a 1GWh all-solid-state battery capacity.

[Mingtai Aluminum and Great Power Energy reach strategic cooperation, focusing on solid-state batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and other fields]

Mingtai Aluminum and Great Power Energy signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement. The two parties will establish a strategic partnership focusing on the R&D, product supply, technology development, and capacity layout of new-type batteries such as solid-state batteries and sodium-ion batteries. Meanwhile, they will leverage their respective operational capabilities and material collection capabilities to promote the recycling and application of secondary aluminum alloy in the field of new energy batteries. According to the agreement, Great Power Energy will prioritize the use of Mingtai Aluminum's products for the supporting development of battery projects in solid-state batteries or other fields.

[Fangyuan Share: Can produce high-nickel ternary cathode materials for solid-state batteries, but cannot disclose specific customer information]

When asked about the company's "main material layouts for solid-state batteries and which manufacturers it supplies to," Fangyuan Share stated that it can produce high-nickel ternary cathode materials for solid-state batteries, but cannot disclose specific customer information due to confidentiality agreements.

[BMW: The world's first BMW i7 test vehicle equipped with an all-solid-state battery officially starts road testing]

Around May 23, the BMW Group announced that the world's first BMW i7 test vehicle equipped with an all-solid-state battery officially started road testing in Munich. This move marks a new stage in the cooperation between the BMW Group and Solid Power, a pioneer in solid-state battery technology, as the all-solid-state battery technology transitions from laboratory verification to real-vehicle application, setting a new benchmark in the field of electric mobility.

[Sinosteel NMC: The company has been keeping track of cutting-edge battery technologies, including solid-state batteries, and maintaining good interactions with downstream customers and research institutions]

Sinosteel NMC, whose main products include rare earth permanent magnets, permanent magnet devices, soft magnetic materials, and devices, stated when asked about the progress of solid-state batteries that it has been keeping track of cutting-edge battery technologies, including solid-state batteries, and maintaining good interactions with downstream customers and research institutions.

[Haichen Pharmaceutical: Solid-State Battery-Related Business Has Not Yet Generated Revenue]

After the cumulative deviation in the closing price increase exceeded 30% over three consecutive trading days on May 21, May 22, and May 23, Haichen Pharmaceutical issued an announcement on abnormal stock price fluctuations, mentioning that the company had noticed the recent high market attention to the concept of solid-state batteries. The company's layout in the solid-state battery sector primarily involves its holding subsidiary, Anqing Huichen Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Anqing Huichen"), jointly investing with Sichuan Saike Power Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Saike Power"), Yibin Ronggu New Material Technology Center (Limited Partnership), Mr. Cao Xichen, and Mr. Yan Meiqiang to establish a joint venture company, Sichuan Luochen New Material Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Sichuan Luochen"). This joint venture was established and completed its industrial and commercial registration on February 11, 2025, focusing on the development, optimization, and industrialisation of adhesive materials related to new energy batteries, including solid-state batteries. As of now, Sichuan Luochen is conducting small-scale pilot process development for relevant adhesive products and has not yet sent samples to customers or received orders. It is expected to have no significant impact on the company's profits for the current year.

[Binhai Energy: Currently Advancing the R&D of Silicon Carbon Anode Materials for Solid-State Batteries Across Various Systems (Including Sulphides)]

On May 23, Binhai Energy responded to investor inquiries on an interactive platform, stating that the company is currently advancing the R&D of silicon carbon anode materials for solid-state batteries across various systems (including sulphides). Pilot testing is currently underway, and customer sample submissions will be conducted in due course. The company will promptly disclose any subsequent progress in accordance with laws, regulations, and exchange requirements. Investors are advised to note the investment risks.

[Changan Automobile: Achieving Solid-State Battery On-Board Verification in 2026]

Changan Automobile stated in its investor relations activity record that over the next three years, the company will launch 35 new digital and intelligent vehicles. Among them, Changan Qiyuan will introduce 10 products, Deepal will introduce 10 products, and Avatr will introduce 7 products. In the field of three electric systems (battery, motor, and electric control), the company will comprehensively iterate its core technologies. From 2025 to 2026, it will complete the investment and construction of a 50GWh battery cell production capacity for CATL Changan, with a total production capacity reaching 75GWh. It aims to achieve solid-state battery on-board verification in 2026 and gradually advance the mass production of all-solid-state batteries in 2027, with an energy density of 400Wh/kg.

[Desay Battery: The Company's Solid-State Battery-Related Products Are Still in the R&D Process, with No Clear Mass Production Plan Currently]

Desay Battery stated on an investor interaction platform that the company's solid-state battery-related products are still in the R&D process, with no clear mass production plan currently.

SMM previously estimated that the global penetration rate of all-solid-state batteries would be around 0.1% in 2025, expected to reach approximately 4% by 2030, and could potentially hit around 9% by 2035. Within the new energy battery sector, SMM projects that by 2030, the penetration rate of all-solid-state batteries in this sector is expected to reach about 5%. The demand from high-end EVs for high safety and long driving range has made solid-state batteries a key choice. However, further long-term penetration growth hinges on the logic of scale expansion and cost reduction.》Click to view details

Therefore, since the beginning of 2025, large enterprises have been deploying or announcing the latest progress of their respective solid-state battery products. With ongoing technological advancements, the market generally believes that all-solid-state batteries are expected to enter the small-batch vehicle installation stage in 2027 and achieve large-scale mass production by 2030.

Regarding the solid-state battery index, from the beginning of the year to the end of April, the index rose by 5.38%. Since the beginning of May, the index has also increased by over 4%, with the overall center significantly shifting upward compared to 2024.