“A majority of these innovations haven’t truly stemmed from any significant chemistry advancements,” states Mauro Pasta, an applied electrochemist affiliated with the University of Oxford. “The real game changer has been the efficiencies gained in production scale.”
Liu cites a key instance: the roll-to-roll method utilized for the cylindrical batteries present in most current EVs. “You create a slurry,” explains Liu, “then you mold the slurry into thin films, roll the films together with extreme speed and accuracy, and you have the capability to produce hundreds, even thousands, of cells very rapidly and with exceptional quality.”
Lithium-ion cells have additionally made substantial progress concerning safety. The presence of that combustible electrolyte means that EV accidents can and do result in hard-to-quench lithium-ion fires. However, due to circuit breakers and other protective measures integrated into contemporary battery packs, just around 25 EVs ignite out of every 100,000 sold, compared to roughly 1,500 fires per 100,000 traditional vehicles—which, naturally, hold large reserves of explosively flammable gasoline.
Indeed, McCalla mentions that the conventional lithium-ion sector is so advanced that solid-state technology may never catch up. “EVs are set to scale today,” he remarks, “and they’re utilizing the technology that is cost-effective right now.” In fact, battery producers are boosting their lithium-ion production as quickly as possible. “So I wonder if the opportunity has already passed.”
But perhaps not. Solid-state technology carries a geopolitical attraction, points out Ying Shirley Meng, a materials scientist at the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory. “With lithium-ion batteries, the competition is over—China already has a 70 percent manufacturing dominance,” she indicates. Thus, for any nation aspiring to spearhead the next battery evolution, “solid-state offers a remarkably exciting chance.”
Performance potential
Another advantage is enhanced performance. At the same moment that EV consumers are searching for increasing range and faster charging, says Louli, the traditional lithium-ion formula has reached a performance plateau. To achieve better results, he asserts, “you need to revisit and initiate some material innovations”—such as those found in solid-state batteries.
