China's Ministry of Industry, in collaboration with six other agencies, has set 2030 as the target date for the first large-scale use of solid-state batteries. The technology, which promises to revolutionize the electric vehicle sector, is at the heart of global industrial strategy as countries and companies compete for leadership in the next generation of energy solutions.
See also: Huawei's latest series has a new Made-in-China chip built in
Solid-state batteries are considered the future of energy storage, offering significant advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries. These batteries use solid electrolytes instead of liquids, making them safer, with higher energy density and increased lifespan. However, their development faces significant technical challenges, such as finding suitable electrolyte materials and ensuring the stability of the electrodes.
CATL president Robin Zengrates the technology a four out of nine on a scale where nine indicates readiness for vehicle production. This suggests that, despite the promise, the technology is still far from full commercial application. Zeng doubts that the technology will be integrated into a million cars before 2030, with limited production expected to begin in 2027.
This reluctance reflects the challenges manufacturers face in scaling up production and achieving the required reliability.
In Europe, ProLogium is moving ahead with the construction of a factory in Dunkirk, which is expected to have a capacity of 0.8 GWh by 2028. This project, the largest new European cell project since the bankruptcy of Northvolt, is a major effort to strengthen the European presence in the battery sector. ProLogium, which already produces 6,000 packs per year in Taiwan, aims to increase its production capacity and take advantage of European subsidies to strengthen its competitiveness.
See also: Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (ICBC): “Hit” by ransomware
Solid-state battery technology is not limited to electric vehicles. LG Energy Solution predicts that the technology will be applied to smartphones a decade before it reaches electric vehicles. This suggests that smaller devices could be the first application area, giving manufacturers the opportunity to test and refine the technology before implementing it on a larger scale.
Despite these developments, European production is still far from rivaling Chinese volumes. Chinese and South Korean manufacturers supply 90% of Europe's batteries, underlining Europe's dependence on external suppliers. The bankruptcy of Northvolt, which followed a $15 billion bid, highlights the difficulties European companies face in competing globally.
ProLogium cells are certified to GB/T 43568-2026, the solid-state specification introduced by Beijing in July, and have been tested by UL Solutions. This certification is an important step in the technology’s acceptance in the global market, as it ensures that the cells meet strict safety and performance standards.
China’s new five-year plan emphasizes initial large-scale use rather than mass production, framing it as a goal rather than a guarantee. This shows that China recognizes the challenges facing the technology and seeks to create the right conditions for its development, without committing to overly ambitious goals.
See also: China Southern: Tickets sold at $1.30 due to technical failure
Overall, solid-state batteries represent a promising technology that can change the way we store and use energy. However, their full commercial application requires further research and development, as well as strategic partnerships between governments, industries and research institutions. The next decade will be critical for the development of this technology and its impact on the global energy market.
