Volvo’s Parent Company to Begin Solid-State Battery Production This Year

Key Takeaways

Geely plans to complete its first solid-state battery packs this year for testing in vehicles.
The technology promises higher energy density and enhanced safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Many automakers are exploring solid-state batteries, with commercial availability expected around 2027.

Accelerating Battery Innovation

Geely, the parent company of Volvo, is intensifying its efforts in solid-state battery technology, announcing plans to finish its first solid-state battery packs by the end of this year. These packs will initially be used in test vehicles rather than being available for purchase in showrooms. While Geely does not sell vehicles in the United States, its brands are accessible to consumers in Europe and Australia.

Geely is a significant player in the automotive industry, owning well-known brands such as Lotus, Zeekr, and Lynk & Co. Given its substantial investment in battery technology since the 2010s, it is feasible that one of these brands might soon incorporate solid-state batteries into their electric vehicles (EVs). The company has focused on developing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and solid-state cells, with its experimental liquid-less batteries reaching energy densities around 400 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg). This figure significantly exceeds the 200-300 Wh/kg typical of conventional lithium-ion batteries.

The advantages of solid-state batteries extend beyond energy density. They are expected to charge more rapidly and present a reduced risk of thermal runaway, making them safer than traditional battery technologies that use liquid electrolytes. This evolving technology has caught the attention of many other manufacturers, including Dongfeng, SAIC, Chery, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and BMW, all of whom are collaborating with battery developers to advance solid-state technology.

Finland’s Donut Labs claims it has created the first production-ready solid-state battery, intended for use in updated electric motorcycles from Verge. However, uncertainties surrounding these claims and the company’s lack of engagement with inquiries have raised concerns about its credibility.

Despite the excitement surrounding this technology, the journey to commercialization will be complex. Most experts predict that solid-state batteries will hit the market around 2027, primarily due to the challenges in manufacturing solid electrolytes. The process is intricate, as the final product is often brittle, necessitating utmost precision when assembling the layers of the battery: anode, cathode, and electrolyte.

In summary, as Geely sets the pace for solid-state battery advancements, the broader automotive industry is keenly watching the landscape. With enhancements in efficiency, safety, and charging times on the horizon, solid-state batteries may dominate the future of electric vehicle technology.

The content above is a summary. For more details, see the source article.