The “holy grail” of EV battery tech may arrive sooner than expected, promising more range and faster charging. According to head scientist and engineer Lian Yubo, solid-state EV batteries could be in wide use in five years. Speaking at the 2024 World New Energy Congress in China on Friday, Lian said he expects the advanced new batteries to be used in luxury EVs in the next few years.
Lian explained that as the battery technology develops, it will gradually roll out to middle and lower-priced electric cars in five years. BYD is advancing solid-state EV batteries, Lian added. However, high production costs and complicated integration remain challenges.
Friday’s conference was the first time a BYD executive has publicly discussed the new tech as the EV/battery giant looks to secure a leadership role in the auto industry’s future. According to , BYD is already the second largest EV battery maker globally, with a 15.8% share through the first half of 2024.
The announcement comes as several companies have recently announced plans to develop and produce solid-state EV batteries. CATL, the world’s largest EV maker (37.8% market share), said it all-solid-state EV batteries by 2027, but initially in small batches.
The company said high production costs could remain a challenge. BYD currently makes lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which dominate China’s market with a nearly 75% share. Lian said BYD will continue to develop LFP batteries, which will contribute to the a.