South Korean battery giant Samsung SDI has generated a significant buzz by unveiling its new oxide solid-state battery technology breakthrough, promising a 600-mile charge in 9 minutes and a 20-year lifespan.
Samsung SDI’s new solid-state battery tech
Samsung SDI proudly showcased its new electric vehicle battery at the recent SNE Battery Day 2024 expo in Seoul, South Korea, The Elec reported.
The company also announced that its pilot solid-state battery production line, established in 2023, has finally reached full operation.
“We built a pilot line last year to mass-produce all-solid-state batteries by 2027.”
Samsung SDI
In another significant achievement, Samsung SDI has already delivered the initial batches of the innovative battery to electric automakers for testing in late 2023.
“We supplied samples to customers from the end of last year to the beginning of this year and are receiving positive feedback.”
Samsung SDI
Promising features
Samsung SDI’s new oxide solid-state batteries could power electric vehicles up to 600 miles (965 km) of driving range. Moreover, it can support extreme fast charging of 9 minutes. On top of these, the battery tech also boasts a lifespan of 20 years.
Samsung SDI claims that these batteries are smaller, lighter, and safer compared to the popular li-ion batteries, potentially accelerating the shift to electric mobility.
“All-solid-state batteries can enhance safety by replacing liquid components with solid ones. When used in the same pack size as existing products, they reduce weight and take up less space.”
Samsung SDI
In addition, the battery offers an energy density of 500 Wh/kg, indicating an almost twofold increase from the 270 Wh/kg density of mainstream products. The 9-minute charging claim likely refers to the industry’s standard metric of battery charging from 10% or 20% to 80% SoC rather than 0-100%.
Despite these promising features, producing such solid-state batteries tends to be extremely expensive compared to other chemistries used in electric vehicles.
Initial rollout
Considering the high manufacturing costs of solid-state batteries, Samsung SDI plans to focus the initial rollout on the “super premium” electric vehicle segment.
For context, this particular market segment includes electric vehicles that deliver superior performance and luxury features, usually targeting wealthier customers.
Samsung SDI’s solid-state battery development aligns with the wider industry trend, seeking to boost electric vehicles’ lifespan and overall performance.
Apart from the solid-state battery, Samsung SDI also outlined plans to launch high-nickel NCS batteries for EVs competing in the premium segment.
Moreover, the company is also currently working on lower-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and cobalt-free batteries and the dry electrode production process to reduce production costs.
Samsung SDI’s battery breakthrough signifies a major advancement towards the evolution of battery technology, potentially making EVs more attractive and practical to a wider range of buyers.
