Today we’re discussing solid-state batteries, their potential applications, and the challenges that will need to be addressed to accommodate their widespread adoption.
Contact: Betsy Barry
Communication Manager
706.206.7271
betsy.barry@acculonenergy.com
What are solid-state batteries and why are they causing such a stir in the electrification landscape?
A good starting place is to offer an overview of solid-state batteries and how they differ from conventional lithium-ion batteries. The primary difference is in the name itself, as solid-state batteries use solid materials for all of their respective components. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that have liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries have solid electrolytes, which are typically ceramics or polymers. This difference in the design of solid-state batteries creates several possible advantages, with one of the most important being their enhanced safety profile. Solid electrolytes are non-flammable, eliminating the risk of thermal runaway and explosions associated with the liquid electrolyte of lithium-ion batteries. This makes solid-state batteries an ideal choice for electric vehicles (EVs) and other safety-critical applications.
There are other advantages as well. Solid-state batteries can have higher energy densities compared to their liquid-electrolyte counterparts, due to enabling higher density anodes. This translates into more powerful energy storage systems, making them suitable for everything from electric vehicles (EVs) to handheld electronic devices. Additionally, since solid electrolytes deteriorate less than liquid ones, these batteries should extend the lifespan of the batteries even further.
Solid-state batteries have the potential for rapid charging capabilities due to their improved thermal stability at high heat and higher charge acceptance. This feature addresses one of the main concerns of electric application adoption–long charging times–and makes solid-state batteries an attractive option to replace lithium-ion ones.
Given the benefits of solid-state batteries, it is logical to assume that they have the potential to revolutionize a range of industries and market segments. In fact, the automotive industry is actively exploring solid-state batteries to replace traditional lithium-ion batteries in EVs because of the potential for greater range, faster charging, and an improved safety profile. However, this battery technology is not without challenges at present.
Currently, solid-state batteries are expensive to produce, inhibiting scalability, as the manufacturing process requires significant cost reduction to make them commercially viable. Additionally, further research and development are needed to explore solid materials for cost-effective and durable components that also have high conductivity. Research and development are costly ventures and require time and resources to ensure the commercial viability of this next-generation battery tech while also establishing industry-wide standards and regulatory requirements to address the safe usage of this innovative technology.
Solid-state batteries
hold the promise of transforming energy storage solutions with respect to safety, energy density, and, fast-charging capabilities for a range of diverse applications.
Solid-state batteries hold the promise of transforming energy storage solutions with respect to safety, energy density, and, fast-charging capabilities for a range of diverse applications. Despite the challenges, ongoing research and development efforts are paving the way for a future where solid-state batteries power our electric vehicles, electronic devices, and clean energy systems. We are at the precipice of advances in battery technology that will undoubtedly shape the future of electrification, and solid-state batteries are but one route to powering this future. It is exciting to see these advances in battery technology unfold in real time, creating a pathway to safe, sustainable energy storage across a wide swath of industries as these advances translate into scalable commercial solutions.
At Acculon, we are always striving to be at the forefront of innovation within the battery industry. We are constantly on the lookout for advanced battery cells that can help us achieve this goal. While some manufacturers claim that their conventional cells, or conventional cells with gelled electrolytes, are solid-state cells, we have yet to find a truly advanced solid-state cell on the market. Until such a cell becomes commercially available, and until we have put said cell through our rigorous testing procedures, we are not ready to implement solid-state batteries in our advanced energy storage solutions. However, we are open to collaborating with solid-state cell manufacturers who require advanced module/pack engineering assistance. We highly value any such collaboration, understanding that they can fuel innovation, propelling us closer to a sustainable, electrified future.