CAMBRIDGE, England—During the next decade, solid-state batteries will become an appealing alternative to lithium-ion technology for electric vehicle manufacturers. In fact, the solid-state battery market will top $8 billion by 2031, claims a new report by IDTechEx.
Automotive engineers are intrigued by the potential of solid-state batteries, which may prove to be a game-changer in the EV race.
Flammable liquid electrolytes in most commercial lithium-ion batteries are considered a threat to safety, as they can easily shrink under high temperatures, lead to short circuits and then catch fire. Replacing organic liquid electrolytes with solid-state counterparts, solid-state batteries can enable safer, long-lasting devices.
Better safety means less need for monitoring electronics in battery modules and packs. Therefore, even first generations of solid-state batteries may have similar, or even less energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries. The energy available in the battery pack can be comparable or even higher than the latter.
With the larger electrochemical window that solid electrolytes can provide, high-voltage cathode materials can be used. In addition, high-energy density lithium metal anode can push the energy density beyond 1,000 Wh/L.
