Geely Promises 500 Wh/kg Solid-State Batteries in Vehicles by Next Year

Geely is on the verge of a breakthrough in electric vehicle technology, as they plan to introduce their next-generation solid-state battery with an impressive energy density of 500 Wh/kg. This innovation could revolutionize the EV market, giving way to smaller, more efficient batteries that far surpass the capabilities of current lithium-ion technology.

The Chinese automotive giant is not only constructing its first solid-state battery manufacturing facility but is also actively developing an advanced solid-state battery that could significantly enhance the overall performance of electric vehicles. Currently, the most efficient lithium-ion batteries, such as NMC, offer about 250 to 300 Wh/kg energy density at the cell level. However, this number tends to drop when the batteries are assembled into packs.

For comparison, Geely's own Golden Brick LFP battery boasts a relatively lower energy density of 128 Wh/kg at the pack level, showcasing the substantial advancements they are pursuing with solid-state technology.

The potential impact of achieving 500 Wh/kg energy density is significant—allowing for smaller batteries to deliver the same capacity or larger energy reserves within the same volume. This could lead automakers to explore a wider array of vehicle designs. If manufacturers opt to retain the current battery weight, Geely claims that their EVs could potentially rival diesel vehicles, offering ranges exceeding 1,000 km on a single charge.

Geely’s solid-state batteries also promise impressive longevity, with a lifespan expected to reach up to 1 million kilometers. However, one challenge that remains with solid-state battery technology is maintaining thermal stability. Generally, these cells can only operate within limited temperature ranges. Thankfully, according to Geely's partner, Dow Chemical, the adhesive used in the battery packs ensures that cells remain stable from temperatures as low as -40 °C to as high as 120 °C.

Looking ahead, Geely plans to launch its pilot program in 2027, enabling the introduction of these advanced batteries in select vehicles next year. However, widespread mass production will require additional time as the batteries undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and reliability.

Via