In Beijing, tests of a stationary energy storage system based on solid-state batteries (SSB) have been completed, confirming the technology's operability in challenging operating conditions. The project was one of the stages in assessing the prospects for commercial application of such batteries, but their use in mass-produced cars is not yet being discussed.
As part of the project, named Research & Development and Demonstration Verification of Solid-State Battery Technology in Extreme Environments, the battery system operated underground for over a year as part of the city's heating network. During this time, the batteries were operated at temperatures ranging from 40 to 85 °C and humidity of 90–95%.
Following the inspection, the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission recognized the experiment as successful. The developers reported that the system maintained stable operation throughout the testing period.
However, the published results do not contain information on the chemical composition of the elements, energy density, lifespan, degradation, or the number of charge and discharge cycles. Furthermore, the tests were conducted exclusively on a stationary power plant, so their results cannot be directly applied to the automotive industry.
For application in electric vehicles, solid-state batteries must meet much stricter requirements. In addition to high energy capacity, they must ensure safety in accidents, charge quickly, withstand multiple operating cycles, have an acceptable production cost, and maintain performance in various road conditions.
Nevertheless, car manufacturers' interest in the technology continues to grow. Toyota, Nissan, and Stellantis have already announced the development of their own solid-state batteries. According to preliminary industry estimates, the first mass-produced cars with such batteries could appear in 2027–2028, although official dates for widespread adoption have not yet been confirmed.