CATL plans to begin pilot production of solid-state batteries in 2027

In China, a race is emerging between the industry leaders CATL and BYD to be the first to produce small batches of solid-state batteries. This is because not only does BYD plan to start pilot production next year, but the market leader CATL also intends to do so.

Last week, amid reports of six new patents for solid-state batteries by BYD, it was revealed that the auto and battery manufacturer plans to begin small-scale production of solid-state cells in 2027, based on its proprietary cathode design with a dual electrolyte.

Now rival CATL is following suit: The world’s largest manufacturer of batteries for electric vehicles has announced to investors that it plans to begin small-scale production of its first solid-state battery cells in 2027. Essentially, this timeline is not new, as CATL had already set it as a goal years ago. However, the mention to investors just five months before 2027 suggests that CATL may indeed achieve its goal.

By doing so, CATL is pursuing a similar schedule for solid-state batteries as BYD, though neither company has yet provided a more specific date for when pilot production will start.

Solid-State Batteries, known in English as Solid-State Batteries, are considered a promising solution for the next generation of energy storage. Their key feature is the replacement of the liquid or gel-like electrolyte in conventional lithium-ion batteries with a solid electrolyte made from ceramics, polymers, or glass. This is intended to improve fire safety, increase energy density, reduce charging times, extend battery life, and boost the range of electric vehicles.

BYD and CATL, along with promising startups such as Factorial or Quantumscape, are fully behind this technology. However, CATL CEO Robin Zeng noted in June that technical and manufacturing challenges mean the adoption of solid-state batteries in the mass market will take several more years, with volume production not expected until 2030 at the earliest. Moreover, Zeng said in June that solid-state batteries are likely to be used initially only in premium automotive platforms.

CATL also stated in June that solid-state technology is currently at stage four of a nine-stage Technology Readiness Level scale. This classification specifically means that CATL is still focused on laboratory validation and prototype development for solid-state batteries, but it also aims to launch a first small-scale pilot production as soon as possible. This could happen by 2027.