A recent development in China has the potential to revolutionize electric vehicle (EV) travel: a new solid-state battery cell boasting record-breaking energy density and a projected range exceeding 1,300 miles on a single charge. This innovation by Tailan New Energy, a private company founded in Beijing in 2018, could significantly address range anxiety, a major hurdle for widespread EV adoption.

Solid-state batteries differ from traditional lithium-ion batteries in their electrolyte composition. Lithium-ion batteries use a liquid electrolyte, which can be flammable and limit energy density. Solid-state batteries, on the other hand, employ a solid electrolyte, offering greater safety and potentially higher energy storage capacity ¹.

Tailan New Energy claims its latest prototype cell achieves a groundbreaking energy density of 720 Wh/kg, more than double the density of current cells used in Chinese passenger EVs, like those from WeLion that power NIO vehicles ². These WeLion batteries boast an energy density of 360 Wh/kg and are expected to deliver a range of over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) on a single charge. If Tailan’s technology can translate its doubled density into a similar-sized battery pack, it could propel EVs to a staggering range of over 1,300 miles, a monumental leap for electric mobility.

The company attributes this achievement to several technological advancements. Their press release highlights breakthroughs in three key areas:

• Ultra-thin and dense composite oxide solid electrolytes: These electrolytes may improve battery safety and stability compared to traditional liquid electrolytes, potentially reducing the risk of fires and enhancing durability ³.

• High-capacity advanced positive and negative electrode materials: Tailan mentions a high-gram capacity, lithium-rich manganese-based positive electrode material and an ultra-wide, thin lithium composite negative electrode for enhanced cycle stability, allowing the battery to maintain a higher capacity for a greater number of charging cycles ².

• Integrated molding process: This process culminates in a 120 Ah solid-state lithium metal cell, potentially offering significant improvements in both energy density (amount of energy stored per unit weight) and storage capacity (total amount of energy the battery can store) ².

Another key element is Tailan’s proprietary high-performance oxide composite solid-state electrolyte. This material reportedly addresses the “solid-solid interface impedance problem,” a challenge that can hinder performance in current solid-state lithium cells. The company elaborates on how it improves the flow of ions and electrons within the battery, leading to overall better performance and potentially addressing limitations that have plagued solid-state battery development ².

While Tailan hasn’t revealed specific plans for integrating this technology into passenger vehicles, they emphasize that their latest battery cells are designed for automotive applications. If the company can successfully scale production and maintain affordability, this innovation has the potential to double the range of current leading EVs, fundamentally altering the EV landscape.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that this is still a prototype technology. Several hurdles need to be overcome before widespread adoption becomes a reality. Here are some key considerations:

• Scalability: Scaling up production from a prototype cell to large-scale manufacturing for car companies presents a significant challenge. Developing efficient and cost-effective methods for mass producing solid-state batteries will be crucial for bringing this technology to market.

• Cost: Solid-state battery production is currently expensive. Tailan will need to find ways to make their technology cost-competitive with traditional lithium-ion batteries. This may involve innovations in material sourcing, manufacturing processes, and optimizing cell design for lower production costs.

• Safety and Reliability: Extensive testing is crucial to ensure the safety and reliability of solid-state batteries in real-world automotive applications. Rigorous testing procedures that simulate real-world conditions (vibration, temperature extremes) are necessary to guarantee the batteries function safely and effectively over the lifespan of a vehicle.

Despite these challenges, Tailan New Energy’s development is a promising step towards overcoming the limitations of current EV battery technology. Solid-state batteries offer the potential for significantly longer range, faster charging times, and improved safety. These advancements could significantly enhance the consumer experience with EVs, making them more practical and appealing to a wider range of drivers.

The Broader Solid-State Battery Landscape

Tailan New Energy is not the only player in the solid-state battery game. Several other companies and research institutions are actively developing this technology, with the potential to bring about a new era for EVs. Here’s a glimpse into the broader landscape:

• Automotive Manufacturers: Major car companies like Toyota and Volkswagen are investing heavily in solid-state battery research and development. Their involvement signifies the industry’s recognition of the potential this technology holds for the future of electric vehicles ^{6 7}.

• Solid-State Battery Startups: Numerous startups are dedicated to developing and commercializing solid-state batteries. Some notable examples include:
  • QuantumScape (US): This company focuses on solid-state batteries with a hybrid electrolyte approach, combining a solid ceramic separator with a liquid electrolyte for the cathode ⁴. Their batteries boast fast charging times and are designed to operate in extreme temperatures.
  • Solid Power (US): This company utilizes a sulfide-based solid electrolyte and has achieved promising results in terms of energy density and cycling performance ⁵.
  • Samsung SDI (South Korea): A major battery manufacturer, Samsung is also actively researching solid-state battery technology, aiming to leverage their expertise in traditional lithium-ion batteries for the development of next-generation solid-state solutions ⁸.

• Research Institutions: Universities and research labs play a vital role in advancing solid-state battery technology. Breakthroughs in material science, electrolyte design, and manufacturing processes often originate from academic research. Examples include:
  • Harvard University (US): Researchers at Harvard have developed a solid-state battery with the potential for ultrafast charging and extended lifespan ⁹.

Remaining Challenges

While the advancements by Tailan New Energy and others are encouraging, significant challenges remain before solid-state batteries become the dominant technology for EVs. Here’s a closer look at some key hurdles:

• Solid-Electrolyte Interface (SEI) Issues: The interface between the solid electrolyte and the electrodes can be a source of performance limitations. Researchers are working on developing more stable SEI formations to improve battery performance and longevity ¹⁰.

• Dendrite Formation: During charging and discharging cycles, lithium metal dendrites can form on the lithium metal anode. These needle-like structures can pierce the separator and cause short circuits, potentially leading to safety hazards. Developing stable electrode materials and electrolytes that mitigate dendrite formation is crucial ¹¹.

Conclusion

Solid-state batteries hold immense promise for revolutionizing electric vehicles. The potential benefits of significantly increased range, faster charging times, and enhanced safety are highly compelling. While challenges remain in terms of scalability, cost, and ensuring safety and reliability, the ongoing research and development efforts by companies like Tailan New Energy and others offer a bright outlook for the future of this technology. Solid-state batteries have the potential to transform the EV landscape, paving the way for a future of clean and convenient electric transportation.

1. How Solid-State Batteries Work https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abg5998

2. Tailan New Energy Press Release (via WeChat) (Chinese) (Note: This source is not available in English. Information was paraphrased based on the content of the original article).

3. Advantages of Solid-State Batteries https://www.nrel.gov/news/features/2023/powering-the-future-nrel-research-finds-opportunities-for-breakthrough-battery-designs.html

4. QuantumScape website: https://www.quantumscape.com/

5. Solid Power website: https://www.solidpowerbattery.com/

6. Toyota Invests in Solid-State Battery Startup https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/toyota-roll-out-solid-state-battery-evs-couple-years-india-executive-says-2024-01-11/

7. Volkswagen Solid-State Battery Plans https://www.reuters.com/technology/volkswagen-rivals-plug-away-solid-state-battery-puzzle-2024-01-16/

8. Samsung SDI Solid-State Battery Research https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Samsung-SDI-to-start-mass-producing-solid-state-batteries-in-2027 (Note: This source is in Korean. Information was paraphrased based on the content of the original article).

9. Harvard University Solid-State Battery Research https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abg5998

10. Challenges in Solid-State Battery Development https://www.nrel.gov/news/features/2023/powering-the-future-nrel-research-finds-opportunities-for-breakthrough-battery-designs.html

11. Dendrite Formation in Lithium Metal Batteries https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendrite_%28metal%29