BYD will release solid-state batteries in 2027, with widespread use starting in 2030

Chinese carmaker BYD has announced that its electric vehicles will start to be equipped with the first solid-state battery packs in 2027. However, mass deployment of the technology is not expected until 2030.

Here's What We Know

BYD Lithium Battery's technical director Sun Huajun said, speaking at the China "All-Solid-State Battery Innovation and Development Summit Forum," that its solid-state batteries will use sulfide electrolytes. He did not say what energy density BYD is targeting, but last year the company began pilot production of 20 Ah and 60 Ah solid-state batteries.

As BYD continues to develop solid-state batteries, it could start introducing them in 2027 for its mid- to high-end electric cars. When these advanced batteries become cheaper to produce, BYD will begin to introduce them in more affordable models. This stage is expected between 2030 and 2032. In the long term, the company expects solid-state batteries to cost about the same as existing battery technologies.

However, that doesn't mean the end is near for other battery types. Speaking at the same event, BYD chief scientist and chief automotive engineer Lian Yubo said that lithium-iron-phosphate batteries aren't going anywhere in the next 15 to 20 years, noting that they will remain important for affordable electric vehicles.

Why are automakers interested in solid-state batteries?

The advantages of solid-state batteries over lithium-ion batteries include high energy density, lower volume, high ductility, significantly higher safety, and improved high- and low-temperature performance. The disadvantages include complexity in development and production, resulting in a significantly higher price at the current stage of technology development.

Source: Carnewchina