As EV adoption becomes more widespread, the push for better performance and efficiency has intensified. Among these innovations, solid-state batteries are standing out as a game changer that could redefine the EV landscape. As automakers and battery manufacturers invest heavily in this technology, the race to mass-produce solid-state batteries is intensifying. With a range of additional benefits compared to existing lithium-ion batteries, how will solid-state technology overcome key challenges in EV adoption and accelerate the global transition to EVs? Which battery manufacturers are aiming to be first to commercialize this technology?
The Advantages of Solid-State Batteries for EVs
While current lithium-ion EV batteries rely on a liquid electrolyte, allowing ions to flow in one direction during charging and flow in the opposite direction when discharging, solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte found in conventional lithium-ion batteries with a solid electrolyte. Indeed, this allows for the use of higher-voltage materials, resulting in greater energy density. Consequently, the size of the battery pack can either be reduced in size or kept at the same while achieving a higher capacity.
Enhanced Safety
Solid-state batteries enhance safety by using non-flammable solid electrolyte materials in place of volatile organic liquid electrolytes. This design significantly lowers the risk of thermal runaway and fires caused by internal short circuits, making solid-state batteries a safer option for EVs.
Increased Energy Density
By storing more energy within the same physical space, solid-state batteries offer a significant advantage over lithium-ion batteries. This characteristic is especially important for EVs, where both weight and space constraints play a critical role in performance and design. With increased energy density, EVs with solid-state batteries can travel further on a single charge, addressing one of the main concerns for drivers: range anxiety. Moreover, solid-state batteries can use higher voltage materials, which allows for increased energy density. This enables either the reduction of the size of the battery pack or the ability to keep the same size while achieving a higher capacity.
Improved Lifespan
Solid-state batteries are designed to last significantly longer than traditional lithium-ion batteries, thanks to their stable solid electrolyte, which is less likely to degrade over time. While lithium-ion batteries typically endure around 1,500 to 2,000 charge cycles, solid-state batteries can reach 8,000 to 10,000 cycles before experiencing a decline in performance. This increased lifespan, combined with their high efficiency, positions solid-state batteries to outperform existing battery technologies, particularly in demanding applications. Additionally, the longer lifespan of these batteries can lead to a reduced total cost of EV ownership, as they require less frequent replacements, resulting in substantial long-term savings for drivers.
Faster Charging
Solid-state batteries offer significantly faster charging times compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. Indeed, while lithium-ion batteries typically charge up to 80% of their capacity quickly, they slow down considerably when approaching a full charge, often requiring at least 40 minutes at a DC fast-charging station. In contrast, solid-state batteries can achieve a full charge in just 10 to 15 minutes, thanks to their solid electrolyte, which facilitates quicker ion movement and enables rapid recharging.

The Race to Adopt Solid-State Batteries
As solid-state batteries aim to overcome the challenges of lithium-ion technology in the rapidly expanding battery market, battery and automakers are working to integrate solid-state batteries to enhance EV performance.
LG Energy Solution
In H1 2024, LG Energy Solution held 12.4% of the market share of the world’s top EV battery makers. To further cement its position in the industry, LG Energy Solution submitted a patent developed in collaboration with Kumho Petrochemical in July, focusing on creating a solid electrolyte. Indeed, this development shows both companies speeding up efforts to advance material technology for commercializing solid-state batteries.
Samsung
Similarly, Samsung is also working towards producing solid-state batteries. With 4.5% of the current battery market share, Samsung’s new solid-state battery technology is set to power premium EVs first, due to the high cost of the battery pack, providing a range of up to 1,000 kilometers. The batteries will also be designed to enhance vehicle range, reduce charging times, and eliminate the risk of battery fires. All-solid-state batteries will improve safety by substituting liquid electrolytes with solid ones, leading to lighter packs that take up less space. With mass production potentially starting in 2027, several automakers are reportedly already testing prototypes. Due to their high price, these batteries will initially be aimed at “super premium EVs”, while for the entry-level market, Samsung plans to introduce a more affordable “semi-solid-state” battery.
Enhancing Solid-State Batteries with Addionics
With their increased energy density, enhanced safety, improved lifespan, and faster charging, solid-state batteries are more adapted to meet the needs of EVs and consumers. Addionics’ 3D Current Collectors take these advancements even further by increasing ionic conductivity and improving thermal management, optimizing the performance and safety of solid-state batteries, particularly in high-power applications. This drop-in solution can seamlessly be integrated into any production line and is compatible with all battery chemistries, both current and emerging.
Find out more about Addionics’ technology or contact us for collaboration opportunities.