Solid-state batteries have seen recent breakthroughs in basic research and development. Solid-state batteries have remarkable energy density and safety performance, but many industry insiders believe that solid-state battery technology barriers are high, and they will not see mass production in the short term. Yet the market is generally good for the future of solid-state batteries. Volkswagen has announced that it will build solid-state battery production facilities by 2025, and new Chinese vehicle manufacturers such as Weltmeister, Enovate, Nio, and others are also exploring the commercial use of solid-state batteries. The number of battery production projects announced to be built or newly built in China's EV battery market in 2019 is still considerable even during the industry’s current so-called "darkest moments", with new production capacity exceeding 400GWh. This capacity includes the investment and construction of new battery technologies such as solid-state batteries. With the launch of domestic solid-state battery projects, China's solid-state battery production rhythm is expected to accelerate.
1. Fujian Super Power New Energy Co. begins construction of its 1 billion Ah annual production capacity solid-state polymer EV lithium battery project
On February 18th, construction began on Fujian Super Power New Energy’s large capacity solid-state polymer EV lithium battery project in Xuzhou. The project will have an annual production capacity of 1 billion Ah and has been developed with an investment of 3 billion RMB. The first phase will produce 500Ah ultra-large single capacity lithium batteries at an annual production capacity of 400 million Ah. Annual output value of the project will be 7.5 billion RMB following its full completion.
2. Ganfeng Lithium begins construction of its solid-state battery production line
On March 4, Ganfeng Lithium held a ceremony marking the start of construction for its solid-state battery production line. Project construction is planned to take 2 years, at an investment cost of 250 million RMB. The project plans to establish a first-generation solid-state lithium battery R&D pilot production line.
3. Weilan New Energy launches 100 MWh solid state battery project
On March 29, Jiangsu Weilan New Energy Battery Co., Ltd. held a foundation laying ceremony for phase one of its solid-state battery project in Liyang, Changzhou. Project investment totals 500 million RMB, of which the first phase of the project will utilize 180 million RMB. Production is scheduled to begin in March 2020, and is expected to produce an annual output of 100 million kWh of solid-state batteries when completed.
4. Qingtao New Energy signs off on 10GWh solid-state lithium battery project
On July 5, Qingtao New Energy held a signing ceremony for its 10GWh annual production capacity solid-state lithium battery project in Yichun. The project is divided into two phases: the first phase of the project uses a 550 million RMB investment to build a solid-state lithium battery project with annual production capacity of 1GWh. The second phase of the project will utilize an investment of 4.95 billion RMB and will begin construction before June 30, 2020, with expected completion and production launch within two years. Phase two will have an annual production capacity of 9GWh.
5. Shenzhou Judian 10GWh project lands in Chaoyang, Liaoning
On December 6, Chaoyang City, Liaoning Province, and Beijing Shenzhou Judian Technology Co., Ltd. signed a deal for a 10GWh annual output large-capacity, solid-state polymer-powered lithium battery project. Project investment totals 6 billion RMB, with completion to be divided in two phases.
Judging from the construction of solid-state battery projects in 2019, solid-state batteries are still “testing the waters,” especially EV solid-state batteries, which have yet to truly enter a commercial stage. According to industry analysts, the development of solid-state batteries for vehicles is likely to go through a "first generation,” “second generation,” “third generation,” and so on. The first generation might consist of semi-solid batteries, with fully solid-state batteries appearing by the third generation. Many in the industry predict that solid-state batteries may see small-scale commercial viability after 2025.
Currently, China, Japan, South Korea, Europe, and North America are all working hard to develop solid-state battery technologies, each region hoping to be the leader in next-generation battery technology. With continued technological development, the launch of pilot production lines, and the construction of related projects, solid-state battery technology will gradually mature, and future solid-state battery projects will continue to grow.