Solid-state and next-generation chemistries
Sodium-ion, solid electrolytes and what is genuinely close to production.
You'll learn
- Explain solid-state and next-generation chemistries at engineering level
- Read the numbers that define the behaviour
- Apply the idea to a real pack
Overview
Replacing the liquid electrolyte with a solid one removes the flammable component and unlocks lithium metal anodes. Getting it to work at automotive scale and cost is the hard part.
In depth
Pilot cells
Sub-ampere-hour solid-state cells demonstrated in the laboratory.
Semi-solid packs
Gel and semi-solid electrolytes enter limited production.
Sodium-ion launches
Sodium-ion enters low-cost city cars and stationary storage.
Automotive solid-state
Targeted small-series production from several manufacturers.
Beware roadmap slides
Cell chemistry announcements are usually laboratory coin cells. Ask for cycle life at automotive size, temperature range and cost per kWh before believing a claim.
Key takeaways
Remember this
- Solid electrolytes remove the flammable liquid and enable lithium metal.
- Sodium-ion is a cost play, not an energy-density play.
- Laboratory results rarely translate directly to automotive packs.
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