Geely prepares new solid-state battery, could extend EV range
Geely is developing a next-generation solid-state battery for electric vehicles (EVs) that is claimed to have an energy density of up to 500 Wh/kg. According to a report from Arena EV, the battery will have an energy density nearly double that of the best lithium-ion batteries currently available on the market. Geely is also currently building its first independent solid-state battery production facility.
By comparison, nickel, manganese and cobalt (NMC) based batteries currently have an energy density of around 250-300 Wh/kg at the cell level. However, that figure typically drops once the cells are assembled into a battery pack.
Geely said the solid-state battery with an energy density of 500 Wh/kg is targeted for use in vehicles by 2027. Energy density is one of the key factors in EV battery development. With higher energy density, automotive manufacturers can use a smaller battery with the same capacity or increase battery capacity without significantly increasing size.
For context, Geely’s Golden Brick LFP battery, known for its very fast charging capability, currently has an energy density of around 128 Wh/kg at the pack level. If the 500 Wh/kg solid-state battery is successfully realised, EV manufacturers could maintain battery weight while significantly increasing capacity.
The technology could even produce electric cars with a range of more than 1,000 kilometres on a single charge, allowing them to compete with diesel-powered vehicles in terms of range. Geely also claims the battery has a service life of up to 1 million kilometres.
However, solid-state battery development still faces a number of challenges, one of which is maintaining cell stability across various temperature conditions. Geely said the adhesive material used in the battery pack, developed together with its materials partner Dow Chemical, can help maintain cell stability across a temperature range of minus 40 to 120 degrees Celsius.
Geely plans to begin a pilot programme for the battery in 2027. This means the new-generation solid-state battery is likely to begin testing in vehicles for use on public roads next year. Even so, large-scale mass production is expected to take longer. Geely needs to review testing and development results before the technology can be produced widely.