While automakers are vying to promise a revolution in solid-state batteries, the head of CATL has called for a realistic view of the situation. According to the world's largest manufacturer of batteries for electric vehicles, the mass adoption of this technology is not a matter of the next few years, but rather the end of the decade.
Solid-state batteries are considered one of the main directions for the industry's development. Theoretically, they can provide higher energy density, increase range, speed up charging, and improve safety compared to modern lithium-ion batteries. This is why Toyota, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and other companies regularly report on their own development programs.
However, CATL CEO Robin Zeng believes that exaggerated expectations have formed around the technology. According to him, developers still face serious problems with durability, safety, and production scaling. The company has been investing in this area for more than ten years, but so far sees no conditions for rapid mass production.
Significantly, CATL itself is currently betting on more mature technologies. As early as 2026, the company intends to begin large-scale production of sodium-ion batteries, which are cheaper than traditional lithium solutions and less dependent on scarce raw materials. Work on solid-state cells continues in parallel, but for now, it's only about small production runs by 2027. Mass adoption is expected closer to 2030.
Read more articles:
- Jeep Promised to Give Away 100 Wranglers for Free — But Only If the USA Suddenly Starts Winning in Football
- New BYD Flagship Taught to Drift Without a Driver: Denza Z9 Showcased Its Electronics Capabilities
- Xiaomi Invented Wireless Charging Without Hands: A Robot Will Connect Itself to an Electric Vehicle