Solid-state batteries: Hyundai dampens hopes of their quick arrival in our electric cars

Hyundai Group continues its research on all-solid-state batteries, both independently and in partnership with others. Asked in September, its head of research and development, Manfred Harrer, believes this technology could be used in small-batch produced cars within five years. For it to become widespread, the cost of materials remains a major obstacle.

The batteries in electric cars are already improving without changing their fundamental nature: charging times are speeding up and range is increasing. Is it still necessary to invest in a technology that is much more difficult to manufacture? For Manfred Harrer, Hyundai Group’s head of research and development, the answer is yes.

First small-batch cars?

In an interview with InsideEVs, the executive believes Hyundai must stay in the race for solid-state batteries. He envisions the arrival of low-volume vehicles produced over the next five years to showcase this technology. However, he did not provide any specific models or release dates for the company.

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The main difference from conventional lithium-ion batteries lies in the electrolyte, which allows ions to move within the cell. In a fully solid-state battery, a solid material replaces the liquid electrolyte. This approach could help reduce battery size, speed up charging, or increase range. These benefits still need to be proven in batteries manufactured at an automotive scale.

Some brands are moving quickly and already promising the commercialization of the first electric cars equipped with solid-state batteries. This is the case with BYD, which recently made a statement in this direction without providing too many details.

Price could delay widespread adoption

Manfred Harrer is much more cautious about large-scale deployment. He believes that the cost of raw materials will remain high for many years and does not think this issue will be resolved within five years. Therefore, a prototype car and a battery affordable enough for a standard model represent two very different stages. Hyundai is working on this technology internally and with partners, including Solid Power.

The South Korean company completed a research unit in 2024 focused on next-generation batteries, particularly fully solid-state batteries, to study their manufacturing processes as well. Its goal is to gain greater control over this technology and its supply chain if it becomes viable. For France, no immediate changes are expected. Hyundai’s statement outlines a roadmap: first proving that solid-state batteries work in a small-batch produced vehicle, then finding ways to manufacture them at a price competitive with the market.