Articles tagged with "solid-state-batteries"
Sulfur-modified electrolyte tackles solid-state battery limits
Researchers at Kennesaw State University, led by Assistant Professor Beibei Jiang, are developing a sulfur-modified composite solid electrolyte to enhance lithium-ion transport in solid-state batteries. These batteries replace the flammable liquid electrolytes found in conventional lithium-ion cells with solid materials, improving safety and thermal stability. However, slow lithium-ion movement through solids has limited charging speed and overall performance. Jiang’s team addresses this by incorporating sulfur-based chemical groups into a ceramic-polymer composite electrolyte, which reduces interfacial resistance and facilitates faster ion movement. This modification effectively “smooths the highway” for lithium ions, potentially enabling faster charging and better battery performance. A key discovery in their research is a previously undocumented strong interaction between sulfur and zirconium in the ceramic component, which significantly contributes to the improved ion transport. This finding emerged unexpectedly during early experiments and was harnessed to optimize the electrolyte design. The project, supported by a $200,000 National Science Foundation grant, is currently focused on validating the stability
energysolid-state-batterieselectrolytelithium-ionsulfur-modificationbattery-safetymaterials-scienceQuantumScape's Tim Holme on solid-state EV batteries finally reaching scale
The article profiles Tim Holme, co-founder and CTO of QuantumScape, and his decade-long pursuit to develop solid-state lithium-metal batteries as a transformative solution for electric vehicles (EVs). Dissatisfied with the limitations of conventional lithium-ion batteries—such as slow charging, limited lifespan, energy density, cost, and safety—Holme and his team at QuantumScape focused on creating a fundamentally different battery technology. Starting from his academic research at Stanford, where he worked on solid-state batteries and secured early ARPA-E funding, Holme transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship to accelerate development. QuantumScape’s breakthrough came with the invention of a ceramic solid electrolyte that conducts lithium ions while physically blocking electrodes, enabling safer, faster-charging, and longer-range batteries. This innovation attracted significant backing from Volkswagen and Bill Gates. Holme emphasizes that the journey to commercialize solid-state batteries involved overcoming both materials science and manufacturing challenges. Initially, the company concentrated on selecting and synthesizing the right materials to enable
energysolid-state-batterieslithium-ionelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologymaterials-scienceenergy-storageUS team toughens ceramic electrolytes for safer solid-state batteries
Stanford University researchers have developed a method to significantly improve the mechanical durability of ceramic electrolytes used in solid-state batteries, addressing their inherent brittleness that leads to cracking and battery failure. By applying an ultra-thin, 3-nanometer silver coating onto the lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO) electrolyte and annealing it at 300°C, silver ions diffuse into the electrolyte, replacing smaller lithium ions and creating a positively charged structural barrier. This nanoscale silver doping enhances fracture resistance by nearly five times and prevents lithium from wedging into microscopic surface cracks, which typically expand during fast charging and cause destructive fissures. The study highlights that this silver ion diffusion fundamentally changes how cracks initiate and propagate, making the electrolyte more stable under extreme electrochemical and mechanical conditions. While other ions like copper showed some effectiveness, silver remains the most efficient for this purpose. The team is now scaling up from small samples to full battery cells to test the coating’s durability over thousands of charge cycles,
energysolid-state-batteriesceramic-electrolyteslithium-ion-batteriesbattery-safetymaterials-sciencenanotechnologyMore Sodium-Ion Batteries Are Suddenly Emerging
The article discusses the recent surge in interest and development of sodium-ion batteries, highlighting the US startup Unigrid, which aims to compete directly with China’s leading battery maker CATL. Founded in 2021 and based in San Diego, Unigrid leverages research from the University of California – San Diego and has received significant support from the California Energy Commission (CEC), including grants to develop and pilot production of solid-state sodium-ion batteries. These batteries replace traditional flammable liquid electrolytes with safer, ceramic-based solid electrolytes, offering potential advantages in safety, longevity, and cost for stationary energy storage applications such as home, commercial, and utility-scale use. Unigrid’s pilot production line targets manufacturing cylindrical sodium-ion batteries that can serve as drop-in replacements for existing battery technologies, with an initial output goal of 250-750 batteries per day. While the company is focusing primarily on stationary storage rather than electric vehicles for now, it has plans to eventually expand into transportation applications. Despite sodium
energysodium-ion-batteriessolid-state-batteriesenergy-storagebattery-technologyrenewable-energyelectric-grid-storageSolid-state EV batteries from Chinese startup get new funding boost
Tailan New Energy, a Chinese solid-state battery startup supported by automaker Changan, has secured over $57 million in a B+ financing round to accelerate the industrialization of its next-generation solid-state battery technology. The funding, led by investors such as Liangjiang Fund and Bank of Communications Investment, will be used to build Tailan’s first mass-production line, enhance R&D in automotive-grade solid-state batteries, and expand its technical and production teams. Tailan holds more than 800 patents related to battery materials, cell design, and manufacturing, and its proprietary Safe+ solid-state platform combined with in-situ sub-micron industrial film deposition (ISFD) technology aims to improve energy density and safety by replacing traditional liquid electrolytes. The startup has a strategic partnership with Changan Automobile, which includes joint development of separator-free solid-state battery technology unveiled late last year. This collaboration is intended to fast-track the development and commercialization of advanced batteries for future EVs, leveraging Tailan’s battery
energysolid-state-batterieselectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyenergy-storageautomotive-innovationmaterials-scienceDonut Lab puts five minute charging solid state batteries on the road
Donut Lab has announced the world’s first all-solid-state battery ready for immediate use in OEM production vehicles, marking a significant advancement in electric mobility. Their high-performance solid-state Donut Battery is already powering 2026 Verge Motorcycles, including the Verge TS Pro and Verge TS Ultra, which will be available on roads starting Q1 2026. Unlike previous solid-state batteries confined to labs, Donut Lab’s technology offers an energy density of 400 Wh/kg, supports full charging in five minutes, and enables safe, repeated full discharges without degradation. The battery eliminates flammable liquid electrolytes, reducing thermal runaway risks, and boasts exceptional durability with up to 100,000 charge cycles and stable performance across a wide temperature range (–30°C to above 100°C) without capacity loss or ignition. Beyond performance, Donut Lab emphasizes the use of abundant, geopolitically safe materials, avoiding rare elements and reducing costs compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Its modular design allows customization
energysolid-state-batterieselectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyfast-chargingenergy-storageelectric-mobilityChina's auto giants join forces for solid-state EV battery project
China is accelerating its development of solid-state battery technology through a new pilot project based in Beijing, officially named the “All-Solid-State Electrolyte Pilot Production and Testing Validation Capability Construction Project.” Led by the Guolian Automotive Power Battery Research Institute, the initiative focuses on researching, testing, and validating solid-state electrolyte materials, which are crucial for the performance and safety of next-generation all-solid-state batteries. The pilot facility, located in Beijing’s Yanqi Economic Development Zone, will repurpose an existing industrial building for laboratory and pilot-scale production, aiming to produce around 25 tons of solid-state electrolyte materials annually. This project is designed as a research and validation platform to build China’s industrial expertise and supply chain for solid-state batteries, which remain several years away from full commercial deployment. The project is backed by a consortium of major Chinese automakers, battery suppliers, and state-owned enterprises, including Youyan Technology Group, FAW Group, Dongfeng Motor, BAIC Group, Changan Automobile,
energysolid-state-batteriesbattery-technologyelectric-vehiclesmaterials-scienceautomotive-power-systemsChina-energy-innovationTop 7 must-read electric vehicle technology stories of 2025
In 2025, electric vehicle (EV) technology made significant strides in powertrains, battery chemistry, and manufacturing processes, pushing the boundaries of range, efficiency, and performance. Notably, new electric and hybrid models achieved driving ranges exceeding 800 miles on a single charge, with advances in solid-state battery technology showing promise to outperform traditional lithium-ion cells. Innovations also included novel battery manufacturing methods that reduced energy consumption and factory footprints, alongside breakthroughs in electric motor power density that enable lighter and more efficient EV platforms. Key highlights from the year include Mazda’s EZ-60 electric SUV, co-developed with Changan Automobile, which offers up to 373 miles on a lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery and an extended-range variant capable of over 807 miles combining electric and gasoline power. Chinese automaker Geely introduced the Galaxy M9 plug-in hybrid SUV, boasting a remarkable 935-mile combined range and fast charging that reaches 80% in about 15 minutes. Toyota researchers developed
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologysolid-state-batterieshybrid-vehiclesfast-chargingpowertrain-advancementsSolid-state batteries carry fire risks similar to liquid cells: Report
The article discusses the safety risks associated with solid-state batteries, which are often promoted as a safer alternative to traditional liquid lithium-ion batteries. Despite replacing liquid electrolytes with solid ones, experts caution that solid-state batteries still carry significant fire and thermal runaway risks due to their high energy density and the reactive nature of lithium metal, especially in designs using lithium metal anodes. Experimental findings indicate that lithium metal can react with cathode materials even without oxygen, potentially causing extreme aluminothermic reactions at very high temperatures. Thus, safety challenges remain and must be addressed through careful materials engineering, cell design, and manufacturing controls rather than assuming inherent safety. In China, momentum is growing to commercialize solid-state batteries in the automotive sector, with companies like FAW Group planning to introduce these batteries in vehicles by 2027 and others initiating pilot production for testing. However, some analysts warn against viewing solid-state batteries as a guaranteed solution to fire risks, noting that liquid lithium-ion batteries continue to improve in safety through innovations
energysolid-state-batterieslithium-ion-batteriesbattery-safetymaterials-engineeringenergy-storageautomotive-energy-technologyChina's EV battery fires test the limits of layout-led safety
The article examines the challenges faced by China’s electric vehicle (EV) industry in ensuring battery safety, focusing on recent incidents involving Xiaomi Auto’s flagship Su7 sedan and Li Auto’s Mega van. Xiaomi had initially gained acclaim for its innovative battery layout, using vertically downward-facing cells developed with CATL to direct flames and toxic gases away from occupants in crashes. This design was touted as a breakthrough in mitigating fire risks, a persistent issue in EVs. However, fatal accidents in 2025, where Su7 batteries ignited upon impact causing multiple deaths, along with a spontaneous fire in a Li Auto vehicle, exposed the limitations of layout-based safety measures and reignited public concerns about EV battery risks. Despite improvements in battery cell quality, manufacturing, and management systems that have reduced fire incidents overall, the article highlights that the fundamental vulnerabilities remain tied to cell chemistry, engineering structure, thermal management, and especially battery layout decisions. Chinese automakers predominantly use prismatic lithium-ion cells arranged vertically, either upright or
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-safetylithium-ion-batteriesbattery-management-systemsolid-state-batteriesEV-technologyChina's EV battery fires test the limits of layout-led safety
The article discusses the challenges China’s electric vehicle (EV) industry faces regarding battery safety, focusing on recent incidents involving Xiaomi Auto’s flagship Su7 sedan and other EV models. Xiaomi had initially gained acclaim for its innovative battery layout, using vertically mounted, downward-facing cells developed with CATL, designed to direct flames and toxic gases away from occupants in crashes. This "cell inversion technology" was touted as a breakthrough in mitigating fire risks, a persistent concern in the EV sector. However, two fatal accidents involving the Su7 in 2025, where batteries ignited upon impact and trapped occupants inside, severely undermined these safety claims. Additionally, a spontaneous fire in a Li Auto Mega van further heightened public fears, illustrating that battery fires can occur even without collisions. Despite overall improvements in battery safety due to better cell quality, battery management systems, and manufacturing standards, the article emphasizes that risks remain tied to cell design, thermal management, and battery layout within integrated vehicle structures. Lithium-ion cells, including
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-safetylithium-ion-batteriessolid-state-batteriesbattery-management-systemsEV-firesBlue-jeans indigo dye could make future solid-state batteries greener
Researchers at Concordia University have discovered that indigo dye, historically used for coloring denim, can significantly improve solid-state lithium-ion batteries. Unlike traditional liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries use solid materials for lithium-ion movement, enhancing safety and energy capacity. The study found that indigo not only stores and releases lithium ions but also activates the solid electrolyte, creating a synergistic effect that boosts the battery’s overall capacity beyond what either component could achieve alone. Additionally, these batteries maintain stable performance even at temperatures as low as minus ten degrees Celsius, addressing a common limitation of organic-material-based batteries. This breakthrough is notable because organic materials typically struggle with instability when integrated into solid-state batteries due to excessive interactions with solid components. However, the controlled reaction between indigo and the electrolyte in this research enables steady and predictable battery chemistry, which is crucial for developing greener, more sustainable energy storage solutions. The use of natural molecules like indigo could simplify supply chains, reduce costs, and support the transition to more accessible
energysolid-state-batteriesindigo-dyeorganic-materialsbattery-technologysustainable-energylithium-ion-batteriesUS Startups Heat Up The Solid State EV Battery Race
The article discusses the evolving landscape of the US electric vehicle (EV) industry amid shifting federal policies and highlights the growing role of US startups in advancing solid-state EV battery technology. Despite recent setbacks—such as the rollback of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards under President Trump and the expiration of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which have dampened US EV sales—the global EV market continues to grow, particularly in Europe. The long-term outlook remains positive due to declining battery costs and innovations like lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, but near-term sales are expected to be negatively impacted by policy changes favoring gas-powered vehicles. Central to the article is the promise of solid-state batteries, which replace the liquid electrolyte in conventional lithium-ion batteries with solid materials like ceramics. This technology offers significant advantages, including higher energy density, lighter weight, faster charging, improved safety, and design flexibility. US startups such as Factorial Energy are at the forefront of this innovation. Factorial
energyelectric-vehiclessolid-state-batteriesbattery-technologyEV-industryautomotive-innovationclean-energyPhotos: Lexus LFA concept returns as sleek electric supercar with bold design
Lexus has unveiled the all-electric LFA Concept, reimagining the iconic V10-powered LFA as a sleek electric supercar. Revealed at Toyota’s Woven City in Japan alongside the Toyota GR GT and GR GT3, the LFA Concept marks Lexus’s shift toward electric vehicle (EV) performance. Unlike its combustion-engine predecessor, the new LFA Concept emphasizes advanced technologies that embody the craftsmanship and engineering skills to be preserved for future generations. It shares an all-aluminum platform and double wishbone suspension with the Toyota GR GT models but features a fully electric powertrain, though specific motor and battery details remain undisclosed. Visually distinct from its Toyota counterparts, the LFA Concept boasts aggressive curves and a driver-focused, luxurious interior that highlights innovation. Industry observers speculate the production model could be the first Lexus or Toyota to utilize solid-state batteries, potentially offering advantages in energy density, weight, and charging speed. Toyota and Lexus CEO Akio Toyoda emphasized the concept’s role in
electric-vehiclesbattery-technologysolid-state-batteriesautomotive-innovationLexus-LFAenergy-storageelectric-powertrainStudy finds 50-nm charge layer that blocks ions in solid-state batteries
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPI-P) in Germany, collaborating with Japanese universities, have identified and precisely measured a nanoscale space-charge layer inside operating lithium solid-state batteries that impairs their performance. This layer, less than 50 nanometers thick and located primarily at the positive electrode interface, acts as a barrier by accumulating electric charge that repels migrating ions, thereby increasing internal resistance. Despite its minuscule size—comparable to the surface thickness of a soap bubble—this charge layer contributes about 7% of the battery’s total resistance, potentially more depending on the materials used. The team employed novel combinations of Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) to observe the space-charge region in real time and measure lithium accumulation, overcoming previous challenges where estimates of the layer’s thickness varied widely and were not captured under operating conditions. This breakthrough provides a clearer understanding of the internal limitations of solid-state batteries, which are otherwise promising
energysolid-state-batteriesbattery-technologynanoscale-materialsenergy-storagelithium-ion-batteriesmaterials-sciencePhotos: Electric JetBike uses 48 ducted fans for low-altitude personal flying
The LEO Solo JetBike is an innovative electric personal aircraft designed by Pete Bitar and Carlos Salaff that aims to make low-altitude personal flying accessible and practical. Compact enough to fit in a standard garage, the JetBike features a futuristic, minimalist design and uses 48 electric ducted fans distributed across its frame to generate lift and thrust. This fan array enhances safety by minimizing exposed moving parts and providing redundancy, allowing stable flight even if some fans fail. The JetBike is classified as an ultralight aircraft, does not require a pilot’s license, and is intended primarily for recreational use and training rather than long-distance travel. Performance-wise, the JetBike offers 10-15 minutes of flight time per charge, with a range of about 15 miles and a top speed near 60 mph, operating at a maximum altitude of approximately 15 feet to maintain safety. It employs solid-state batteries, which provide improved energy density and safety over traditional lithium-ion cells, and can be re
energyelectric-vehiclessolid-state-batteriespersonal-flying-devicesducted-fansairborne-mobilityelectric-propulsionEV battery retains 78% capacity after 200 cycles using stretch trick
Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have developed a novel method to enhance the lifespan and safety of solid-state batteries by physically stretching a fluorinated polymer electrolyte (PVDF-TrFE-CFE). This uniaxial stretching aligns the polymer chains, creating continuous pathways that significantly improve lithium-ion transport. As a result, batteries using the stretched electrolyte retained about 78% of their capacity after 200 charge-discharge cycles, compared to only 55% retention with unstretched electrolytes. The lithium-ion diffusion rate increased nearly fivefold, and ionic conductivity improved by 72%. Additionally, incorporating ceramic powder (LLZTO) into the polymer matrix enhanced mechanical flexibility, flame retardancy, and ion conductivity. Safety tests demonstrated that the new electrolyte is highly flame-retardant, extinguishing flames within four seconds, addressing a major safety concern in electric vehicle batteries that use flammable organic liquid electrolytes. The team validated the practical application by integrating the stretched electrolyte into
energybattery-technologysolid-state-batterieslithium-ion-batteriespolymer-electrolyteselectric-vehiclesmaterials-scienceToyota’s new solid-state EV batteries promise 40 years of power
Toyota plans to introduce solid-state batteries (SSBs) in its vehicles by 2027-2028, with these batteries potentially lasting up to 40 years—four times longer than current lithium-ion EV batteries. The new SSB technology promises significant improvements, including a driving range exceeding 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) per charge, smaller and lighter battery packs, faster charging times, and enhanced safety due to the replacement of flammable liquid electrolytes with solid ones. Toyota’s recent breakthrough, in partnership with Sumitomo Metal Mining, focuses on mass-producing durable cathode materials to overcome challenges such as degradation during repeated charging cycles. The extended lifespan of these batteries not only offers greater long-term value to owners but also reduces environmental impact by lowering the need for frequent battery replacements. Although initial costs are expected to be high, prices should decrease over time with increased production scale and demand. Toyota intends to debut SSBs in premium models like Lexus and Century before expanding to mainstream vehicles such as
energysolid-state-batterieselectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyToyotacathode-materialsEV-innovationAlloy breakthrough speeds ion flow for next gen solid-state batteries
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have made a significant breakthrough in solid-state battery technology by manipulating lithium aluminum alloy electrodes to enhance lithium ion transport. Their study focused on two internal phases within the alloy: the lithium-rich beta phase and the lithium-poor alpha phase. By adjusting the lithium-to-aluminum ratio, they increased the proportion of the beta phase, which provides dramatically faster lithium ion pathways—up to ten billion times quicker than the alpha phase. This phase adjustment not only accelerated ion flow but also resulted in denser, more stable electrode structures, improving the interface with solid electrolytes. In practical battery tests, electrodes enriched with the beta phase demonstrated high charge and discharge rates and maintained capacity over 2,000 cycles, addressing key durability challenges in solid-state batteries. This work is the first to directly link beta phase distribution to lithium diffusion behavior in lithium aluminum alloys, offering a new design strategy for alloy-based electrodes that combine enhanced energy storage, stability, and fast charging potential. Led
energysolid-state-batterieslithium-ionbattery-technologymaterials-sciencealloy-electrodesenergy-storageFluoride electrolyte breaks 5-volt limit in solid-state batteries
Researchers at Yonsei University have developed a novel fluoride-based solid electrolyte, LiCl–4Li₂TiF₆, that enables all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) to safely operate beyond the longstanding 5-volt limit. This breakthrough overcomes a major challenge in battery technology, as conventional solid electrolytes typically degrade above 4 volts. The new electrolyte combines high voltage stability with excellent ionic conductivity (1.7 × 10⁻⁵ S/cm at 30°C), allowing it to work effectively with high-energy spinel cathodes like LiNi₀.₅Mn₁.₅O₄ (LNMO). When applied as a protective coating, it prevents interfacial breakdown, resulting in batteries that retain over 75% capacity after 500 charge cycles and achieve a record areal capacity of 35.3 mAh/cm². The technology also demonstrated consistent performance in pouch-type cells, indicating practical viability for electric vehicles and electronics. Beyond enhancing
energysolid-state-batteriesfluoride-electrolyteelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyenergy-storagerenewable-energySolid-State Battery Breakthrough News — Hype Or Hope? - CleanTechnica
Scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a novel self-healing interface for solid-state lithium batteries that mimics a liquid seal by flowing to fill microscopic gaps between the anode and solid electrolyte. This innovation eliminates the need for heavy external pressure and bulky equipment traditionally required to maintain tight contact within the battery. The key mechanism involves the controlled migration of iodide ions under an electric field, which form an iodine-rich layer attracting lithium ions to fill pores at the interface, thereby enhancing stability and performance. This approach simplifies manufacturing, reduces material use without increasing costs, and enables batteries to achieve specific energies exceeding 500 watt-hours per kilogram—potentially doubling device battery life. While the prototype has shown promising stability and exceptional performance over hundreds of charge/discharge cycles in laboratory tests, the technology remains at an early stage, with significant challenges ahead before commercial viability. Real-world testing under varying temperatures, fast charging, and long-term use is necessary to confirm safety and durability, especially given past costly failures like the
energysolid-state-batterieslithium-ionbattery-technologyenergy-storagematerials-sciencebattery-innovationElectrolyte breakthrough could help make next-gen solid-state batteries
Researchers at Japan’s Tohoku University have demonstrated that two pressure-assisted sintering methods—hot pressing (HP) and spark plasma sintering (SPS)—are equally effective for fabricating dense, high-quality garnet-type oxide solid electrolytes (Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ or LLZO) for next-generation solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs). Both techniques achieve nearly full densification (~98%) in under five minutes without significant differences in ionic conductivity or microstructure. This challenges the previously held belief that SPS offers unique advantages due to a “plasma effect,” showing instead that densification is driven primarily by applied pressure and heat. The study, published in Small, highlights that either HP or SPS can be chosen based on factors such as cost, equipment availability, and scalability rather than presumed performance superiority. This finding is significant because conventional oxide electrolyte fabrication requires prolonged high-temperature sintering, which is costly and leads to lithium evaporation. By validating these rapid
energysolid-state-batterieselectrolytehot-pressingspark-plasma-sinteringlithium-ion-batteriesbattery-materialsToyota to launch world’s first practical all-solid-state EV battery
Toyota Motor Corporation has announced a significant breakthrough in developing all-solid-state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), partnering with Sumitomo Metal Mining to mass produce cathode materials essential for these next-generation batteries. Targeting a launch as early as 2027, Toyota aims to introduce the world’s first practical all-solid-state battery-powered EV. These batteries replace the flammable liquid electrolyte found in traditional lithium-ion cells with a solid one, promising improvements in energy density, safety, lifespan, driving range, charging speed, and output. Toyota highlights that their new batteries will be smaller, more powerful, longer-lasting, and less prone to overheating, potentially transforming the global EV market. Since 2021, Toyota and Sumitomo have collaborated to overcome challenges like cathode degradation, using Sumitomo’s proprietary powder synthesis technology to develop highly durable cathode materials. Sumitomo plans to begin mass production of these materials by Japan’s 2028 fiscal year, aligning with Japan’s broader strategy to build
energyelectric-vehiclessolid-state-batteriesbattery-technologycathode-materialsToyotaSumitomo-Metal-MiningDragonfly Energy & Dry Electrode Battery Manufacturing — CleanTech Talk - CleanTechnica
The article highlights a CleanTech Talk podcast featuring Dr. Denis Phares, CEO of Dragonfly Energy, discussing innovations in dry electrode battery manufacturing. Dragonfly Energy’s dry electrode process offers significant advantages over traditional methods, including a 25% reduction in energy use and approximately 5% lower production costs by eliminating solvent recovery and drying steps. This approach also accelerates production speed and is easily scalable to meet future demand. In addition to cost and efficiency benefits, Dragonfly’s technology enhances sustainability by avoiding toxic solvents such as N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) and harmful PFAS chemicals, leading to reduced hazardous waste, lower water consumption, and a 9% reduction in carbon emissions. The process produces uniform electrode coatings that improve battery energy density, safety, and cycle life, while being compatible with various lithium-ion chemistries for next-generation battery applications. The podcast further explores comparisons with Tesla’s dry electrode manufacturing, as well as related topics like dye-sensitized solar cells,
energybattery-manufacturingdry-electrode-technologylithium-ion-batteriessustainabilitynanotechnologysolid-state-batteriesSolid-state sodium batteries that offer potential to replace lithium built
Researchers have developed solid-state sodium batteries that maintain performance even at subzero temperatures, marking a significant advancement toward making sodium a viable alternative to lithium in battery technology. Sodium is abundant, inexpensive, and environmentally less damaging than lithium, but prior solid-state sodium batteries struggled with ionic conductivity and performance at room temperature. The team combined computational and experimental methods to stabilize a metastable form of sodium hydridoborate by heating it to its crystallization point and then rapidly cooling it, a technique not previously applied to solid electrolytes. This process kinetically locks the orthorhombic phase, which exhibits fast sodium-ion mobility and significantly higher ionic conductivity—up to an order of magnitude greater than previously reported structures. By pairing this stabilized sodium hydridoborate phase with a chloride-based solid-electrolyte-coated cathode, the researchers created thick, high-areal-loading composite cathodes that retain performance down to subzero temperatures. This design contrasts with earlier strategies that used thin cathodes,
energysolid-state-batteriessodium-batteriesbattery-materialsenergy-storagesolid-electrolytesmetastable-materialsBusworld 2025 May Signal the End of Range Anxiety for Public Transport - CleanTechnica
Busworld 2025, Europe’s premier bus and coach exhibition held at Brussels Expo, is poised to mark a significant milestone in the electric public transport industry by showcasing electric buses capable of long-range travel, effectively addressing the longstanding issue of range anxiety for fleet operators. Unlike previous models designed primarily for short urban routes with frequent charging, this year’s vehicles are engineered for extended journeys. Notably, Volvo Buses will introduce its BZR Electric coach chassis with up to 720 kWh battery capacity, promising an unprecedented 700 kilometers of range, enabling nonstop travel between major European cities. Similarly, MAN Truck & Bus will debut its fully electric MAN eCoach with a 500-kilometer range, alongside a city bus model with comparable efficiency, highlighting rapid advancements in battery technology and vehicle design. Asian manufacturers will complement these developments by focusing on next-generation battery technologies. BYD plans to showcase a European-spec city bus equipped with solid-state batteries, which offer higher energy density, faster charging, and enhanced
energyelectric-busesbattery-technologysolid-state-batterieselectric-vehiclestransportation-innovationclean-energyUS process recovers high-purity lithium from spent EV batteries
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), led by Professor Yan Wang, have developed advancements in solid-state battery technology and lithium recycling that could enhance battery performance and sustainability. They created an iron-doped lithium-indium chloride material that resolves the incompatibility between halide-based solid-state electrolytes and lithium-metal anodes without requiring costly protective layers. This innovation maintains high ionic conductivity and demonstrates impressive long-term stability, with full cells retaining 80% capacity after 300 charge-discharge cycles and symmetric cells operating over 500 hours without degradation—marking a first in the field. In addition, the team developed a safe, scalable recycling method for spent lithium-metal anodes using a self-driven aldol condensation reaction with acetone, producing lithium carbonate with 99.79% purity, surpassing industry standards. The recovered lithium carbonate was successfully used to create new cathode materials exhibiting electrochemical performance comparable to commercial products. This recycling approach offers a practical solution to reduce reliance on lithium mining, lower production
energybattery-technologylithium-recyclingsolid-state-batteriesmaterials-sciencesustainable-energybattery-performanceWhy mass production is the final barrier for solid state batteries
Solid-state batteries hold significant promise for electric vehicles (EVs) by offering higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion technology, which currently powers most EVs and consumer electronics, is nearing its energy density limits—around 260 Wh/kg—necessitating heavier battery packs for longer ranges and requiring cooling systems to prevent thermal runaway. In contrast, solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte with solid materials such as ceramics or polymers, enabling denser electrodes and potentially exceeding 400 Wh/kg energy density with lithium metal anodes. However, this architecture introduces challenges like high interfacial resistance, mechanical stress during cycling, and dendrite formation, which can cause short circuits. Unlike liquid electrolytes that self-heal electrode gaps, solid electrolytes require precise manufacturing techniques to maintain stable interfaces. The main barrier to widespread adoption of solid-state batteries is scaling up manufacturing to automotive levels. Researchers Mihri Ozkan and Cengiz Ozkan from the University of California
energysolid-state-batterieslithium-ionbattery-manufacturingelectric-vehiclesenergy-densitybattery-technologySodium structure powers solid-state batteries below freezing temps
Researchers at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have developed a new sodium-based solid-state battery technology that performs effectively at room temperature and below freezing, marking a significant advance for sodium batteries which have historically struggled under real-world conditions. The breakthrough centers on stabilizing a previously unreported metastable structure of sodium hydridoborate, achieved by heating and rapidly cooling the material to lock in a crystal form. This structure exhibits ionic conductivity at least an order of magnitude higher than previously reported sodium electrolytes, enabling better battery performance. The team combined this metastable electrolyte with an O3-type cathode coated with a chloride-based solid electrolyte, allowing for thick, high-loading cathodes that increase the theoretical energy density by packing more active material into the battery. This design contrasts with traditional thin cathodes that contain more inactive material, thus improving energy storage capacity. The innovation not only enhances sodium battery performance but also offers a more cost-effective and sustainable alternative to lithium-based batteries, potentially enabling gig
energysolid-state-batteriessodium-batteriesbattery-technologyionic-conductivityenergy-storagematerials-scienceASEAN Battery Conference Proposes Unified Regional Battery Ecosystem - CleanTechnica
The 3rd ASEAN Battery Technology Conference (ABTC), held in Phuket, Thailand, brought together over 340 participants from more than 20 countries to advance a unified regional battery ecosystem and promote collaboration in clean energy. Co-hosted by the Thailand Energy Storage Technology Association (TESTA) and other leading organizations, the conference featured the launch of the ASEAN Battery Safety Network (ABSN), aimed at standardizing battery safety practices across ASEAN. ABSN, led by Dr. Sing Yang Chiam of the Singapore Battery Consortium, seeks to foster cross-border cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the advancement of battery safety science, supported by a strategic partnership with UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE). Significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance regional collaboration and innovation, including agreements to standardize swappable battery packs, develop grid-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and promote solid-state battery technology commercialization. Key partnerships involved companies such as Amphenol, Singamas Container Holdings, Zhejiang
energybattery-technologyASEANenergy-storage-systemsbattery-safetyclean-energysolid-state-batteriesNew Technologies Will Hasten The End Of Fossil Fuels. Yay! - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the ongoing political and industrial efforts to maintain fossil fuel dominance, including attempts by the current U.S. administration to roll back environmental regulations and hinder carbon dioxide monitoring. These actions, driven largely by fossil fuel interests, aim to undermine climate change mitigation by eliminating the “endangerment finding” that classifies CO2 as a greenhouse gas and by disrupting satellite and observatory measurements critical for tracking atmospheric carbon levels. The article criticizes these moves as willful ignorance of the climate crisis, likening them to ignoring an approaching forest fire or iceberg. Despite these setbacks, the article emphasizes that technological advancements offer hope for overcoming fossil fuel dependence. A key example is Hyundai’s development of new solid-state battery technology, which promises higher energy density, faster charging, longer life, and improved safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. Hyundai’s innovation includes a protective coating for copper anodes, which are typically vulnerable to corrosion by sulfide electrolytes used in solid-state batteries. This coating
energyclean-energysolid-state-batteriesbattery-technologyelectric-aircraftHyundaienergy-storage-materialsChinese firm unveils solid-state batteries with 136 Wh/lb energy density
Anhui Anwa New Energy Technology, a Chinese company partly owned by automaker Chery and battery maker Gotion High-Tech, has unveiled its first batch of solid-state battery samples with an energy density of 136 watt-hours per pound. These first-generation batteries meet the new ‘No Fire No Explosion’ safety standard and were produced at Anwa’s factory in China’s Wuhu Economic and Technological Development Zone. The company employs a fully integrated production line with a five-step dry manufacturing process that reduces energy consumption by 20% and fixed asset investment by 30%, enhancing sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Anwa plans to expand its facility with a 5 GWh solid-state battery R&D center and a fully automated production line to support large-scale manufacturing. Anwa has begun trial production of second-generation solid-state battery packs expected to reach an energy density of approximately 181 watt-hours per pound, a significant improvement over the first generation. The company aims to start mass production of third-generation batteries by
energysolid-state-batteriesbattery-technologyenergy-densitybattery-manufacturingsustainable-energyelectric-vehiclesBeyond lithium: inside the Goliath battery revolution
The article features insights from Graeme Purdy, CEO and co-founder of Ilika, on the company’s flagship solid-state battery project, Goliath, which is poised to revolutionize electric vehicle (EV) energy storage. Solid-state batteries offer significant advantages over traditional lithium-ion cells, including higher energy and power density, intrinsic safety, and faster charging. Purdy highlights that these batteries are safer, passing rigorous tests like the nail penetration test without catching fire, which reduces the need for heavy protective engineering and thus lowers vehicle weight and cost while increasing range. Contrary to common perceptions, Purdy asserts that solid-state batteries can be cost-competitive due to cheaper materials and more energy-efficient manufacturing processes, potentially saving thousands on battery pack costs and narrowing the price gap between EVs and internal combustion engine vehicles. Looking ahead, Purdy is optimistic that solid-state batteries will enter low-volume production within a few years and become dominant in the EV market within five years. He acknowledges China’s dominant role in EV
energysolid-state-batterieselectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyenergy-storagebattery-safetybattery-innovationNovel film improves life of anode-free solid-state battery by 7 times
Researchers at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) have developed a novel molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) thin film coating that significantly enhances the lifespan and stability of anode-free all-solid-state batteries (AFASSBs). By applying MoS2 nanosheets onto stainless steel current collectors via metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), the team created a cost-effective, scalable alternative to expensive noble metal coatings. This MoS2 layer acts as a sacrificial buffer that reacts with lithium during battery cycling, forming a stable interfacial layer of molybdenum metal and lithium sulfide (Li2S). This dynamic interface improves lithium affinity, prevents dendrite formation, and boosts capacity retention by seven times, enabling stable operation for over 300 hours and tripling battery runtime. The innovation addresses key challenges in AFASSBs, which eliminate the anode to reduce cell volume and increase energy density but suffer from interfacial instability and dendrite growth
energysolid-state-batteriesanode-free-batteriesmolybdenum-disulfidebattery-materialsbattery-technologycapacity-retentionUS firm's solid electrolytes promise 50% energy boost for EV batteries
energysolid-state-batterieselectrolyteselectric-vehiclesbattery-materialshigh-energy-densitylithium-ion-batteriesScalable lithium sulfide tech sets stage for solid-state battery boom
energymaterialssolid-state-batterieslithium-sulfidebattery-technologyproduction-processenergy-efficiencyHidden layer in solid-state batteries could unlock faster, safer power storage
energymaterialssolid-state-batteriesbattery-technologyion-transportsafer-batterieselectrochemistryChangan Solid State Battery Will Unlock Up To 1500 Miles Of Range - CleanTechnica
energysolid-state-batterieselectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyenergy-densityautomotive-innovationclean-energyThe Actual Reason the Tesla Cybertruck Has Failed? - CleanTechnica
energyelectric-vehiclesTeslaCybertrucksolid-state-batteriesElon-Muskclean-technology100% Solid-State EV Batteries Seal The Deal: No More Gasmobiles - CleanTechnica
energysolid-state-batterieselectric-vehiclessustainable-technologybattery-technologyautomotive-innovationmaterials-scienceBMW tests all-solid-state battery for extended range in i7 EV
energysolid-state-batterieselectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyBMWenergy-storageautomotive-innovationFirst all-solid-state battery line to set stage for next-gen EVs
energyelectric-vehiclessolid-state-batteriesbattery-technologyGotionEV-innovationenergy-densitySolid-state battery breakthrough promises 100x charging power
solid-state-batteriesenergy-storagesodium-batteriesionic-conductivitysustainable-materialsbattery-technologyenergy-density