Electric cars: CATL ready to launch solid state batteries earlier than expected!

Promise to come solid battery promises to create a small rebellion for the electric car. Because this technology makes it possible divide by two the size and weight of the packages while offering a significantly higher energy density. Specifically, these new batteries carry current through a solid, non-liquid conductor between the anode and the cathode.

The theory is that this technology safer against the risk of fire ​​​​​​​​​and we will benefit in space, but also in the speed of recharging, because solid batteries can stand significantly higher heatinghence higher powers. Last but not least, these solid batteries would make it possible to overcome operational changes depending on external temperature and reduce carbon footprint between -24 and -39%, according to the NGO Transport and Environment (T&E). But on the condition that there are strong laws governing the methods of metal extraction. logic. But, in general, there would only be benefits!

Experimental production rate

Suffice it to say that in industrial research centers, the race is on to whoever will be able to produce this technology which, it is true, exhibits more than restrictions. In particular, theproduction environment it must be perfectly controlled (cleanliness, temperature, etc.) in the risk of the electrolyte “missing” and then cracking, making the battery unusable.

Until now, we have heard that the solid state battery would not arrive before 2027-2028 best and maybe not even before 2030. Because those who announced its arrival (Toyota, etc.) tend to delay dates, perhaps because the technology is more complex to master than expected. Except that the situation looks very different among them Chinese giant CATL who could commercialize those solid state batteries before anyone else.

In fact, according to an article in Last postsources within the company report an experimental production phase on prototypes of the 20 Ahbut until now, laboratories only worked with batteries with a capacity of 1 Ah. So CATL seems to be much more advanced in their research. because of with a capacity of 10 Ah, the samples are known to be used to test the performance of individual battery cells. And that from 20 Ah, the battery solution is completed and goes into the the level of the study of production technology.

1,000 more engineers

Sources within CATL report that the company has just hired 1,000 engineers for his research center around solid state batteries. There solution chemical CATL would be held as such sulphur and neither oxide nor polymer as there is. This technology allows you to gain energy density 500 Wh / kgeither 40% more than with today’s lithium-ion batteries.

CATL is apparently aiming for small series production of these solid batteries from 2027. Why wait any longer 3 ans ? Because the charging speed and lifetime would still not be as effective as expected. But with 1,000 more engineers, we assume that the problems could be solved quickly. CATL remains a leader in the field of batteries with a market share from 36.7%. For comparison, BYD has a market share of 16.4%. To continue, but sometimes, revolutions go faster than expected…

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