Solid-state battery mass production still years away, scientist says

Solid-state batteries, long heralded as the ideal energy solution for the new energy era with their high energy density, fast charging, and stability advantages, may face significant delays in reaching mass production. Despite numerous automakers announcing ambitious production timelines as early as 2026, experts are now suggesting these targets might be unrealistic.

At the recent 2025 China Automotive Forum, Wang Fang, Chief Scientist at China Automotive Technology Research Centre, identified four critical problems that solid-state batteries need to overcome: unclear ion conduction channels, complex production processes, inadequate safety controls, and high-volume manufacturing challenges.

In essence, the technology, materials, and cost issues surrounding solid-state batteries may prove difficult to resolve in the short term. While these batteries theoretically offer comprehensive advantages and enormous market potential, the question remains whether consumers will ever have the opportunity to drive vehicles powered by solid-state batteries according to the announced timelines.

Officially announced solid-state battery mass production plan enterprise list

Safety concerns remain

Wang Fang was direct about the current limitations of solid-state batteries: “While solid-state batteries indeed have wider safety boundaries than liquid batteries, once those boundaries are breached, the consequences can be more severe than with liquid batteries.”

This statement comes at a time when EV fire incidents have heightened consumer concerns about battery safety. In response, automakers have been implementing rigorous testing protocols, often exceeding national standards, to demonstrate their commitment to safety.

In May 2025, the China Society of Automotive Engineers released the “All-Solid-State Battery Determination Method” (T/CSAE 434-2025), which clearly defines “all-solid-state batteries” as requiring ion transfer exclusively through solid electrolytes, creating a strict technical boundary between these and hybrid solid-liquid electrolyte batteries. This standard aims to prevent marketing hype around terms like “all-solid-state” or “semi-solid-state.”

While companies like SAIC Group and Gotion High-Tech have made claims about their solid-state batteries’ safety features, these remain largely untested in real-world conditions. Laboratory results do not necessarily translate to real-world performance in mass-produced vehicles.

Market shifts reduce urgency

The automotive market landscape has changed in recent years. Hybrid vehicles, once considered merely transitional, have gained market traction. According to the China Passenger Car Association, plug-in hybrid and extended-range hybrid vehicles showed growth of 31.5% and 16.5% respectively in the first half of 2025.

New energy vehicle market – June 2025 production, retail, and wholesale analysis report

Additionally, improvements in liquid lithium battery technology have addressed some previous limitations. BYD‘s super e-platform, introduced in March 2025, features flash-charging batteries that can provide 400 kilometres of range with 5 minutes of charging. Similarly, Zeekr and Huawei have launched high-power charging solutions up to 1.5MW.

Battery swapping technology has also expanded, with Nio operating over 3,000 swap stations—more than the number of supercharging stations operated by Li Auto and XPeng combined.

With the development of hybrid technology, fast-charging capabilities, and battery-swapping systems, the necessity for solid-state batteries has diminished somewhat. They have shifted from being essential innovations to optional upgrades.

Cost challenges persist

According to research from consulting firm Battery Intelligence, the unit cost of solid-state batteries reaches 1,200 yuan/kWh, more than three times the cost of traditional liquid lithium batteries. Combined with the substantial research and development expenses already incurred, early solid-state battery vehicles will inevitably come with premium price tags, limiting their initial mass-market potential.

According to Chinese media 36kr, given these technical, performance, safety, and cost challenges, industry observers remain sceptical about manufacturers’ announced production timelines. Optimistic estimates suggest that widespread adoption of solid-state batteries may still require approximately five years.