Many of the best modern electric vehicles (EVs) are more energy-efficient than ever, especially now that top manufacturers like Honda and Toyota are already investing in the next generation of EV power. We’re referring to solid-state batteries, an evolving technology that could yield significant gains for EV owners in terms of driving range and overall performance. While there’s a debate within the automotive industry as to what exactly constitutes a solid-state battery, the basics are as follows: A traditional EV cell uses liquid electrolytes as a passageway for ions to travel between a battery’s cathode (negative terminal) and anode (positive terminal).
A solid-state cell ditches the liquid electrolyte in favor of polymers, sulfides, and ceramics — “solid” materials that take up less real estate inside an EV brick. On paper, solid-state batteries don’t just outclass today’s lithium-ion cells. They can withstand higher voltages and temperatures, store more energy per pound, and do it all while trimming battery weight. With a solid-state battery installed in your car, you’ll still be responsible for recharging the unit, but how much power the battery can hold, and how fast it can be refilled, could look very different by the end of the 2020s.
Why solid-state batteries matter for EV drivers
The idea of a fully solid-state EV battery isn’t new. Automakers have been chasing this tech for years, with Toyota even showcasing a working prototype back in 2010 and initially projecting commercial production by 2020. Those plans have since been delayed, and the company now expects solid-state packs to arrive closer to 2027. We say “fully” because the industry hasn’t been standing still in the meantime. Many manufacturers have already begun shifting away from traditional liquid-electrolyte designs by adopting semi-solid electrolytes in quasi-solid-state cells, and ionically conductive polymer materials that behave more like solids at higher temperatures. That’s a lot of chemistry jargon, but what it really means is that we’re already seeing batteries that act a bit more like solid-state solutions, even if they’re not fully there yet.
Science is fun and all, but how exactly will solid-state technology benefit future EV drivers? According to Toyota, charging a solid-state battery for just 10 minutes should be enough to take it from zero to 70%. The company also claims that solid-state drivers should see about 520 miles of range. Toyota and other companies working toward solid-state batteries aren’t alone in the race. Just last month, Honda opened a new manufacturing facility in Sakura, Japan, focused on validating and refining the production methods needed for next-generation EV batteries. The goal of the plant is to develop and scale the processes that will eventually support full solid-state battery manufacturing.
You don’t need solid-state to get more range today
Automakers still face several hurdles before solid-state EVs can reach full-scale production. For one, the technology is currently more expensive to engineer and manufacture, which means companies will need to find ways to bring costs in line with today’s lithium-ion packs. They’ll also need to ensure the batteries are reliable and safe under real driving conditions, not just in the lab. Beyond the factory, service networks and repair shops will require new training and equipment to properly maintain and diagnose these next-generation systems.
Still, the shift toward solid-state batteries points to an exciting future for EV owners — one where charging takes less time, mileage increases, and everyday driving becomes more energy-efficient. In the meantime, there’s still plenty to love about the state of EV vehicles in the present. Not only is it cheaper to drive an electric vehicle than a gas-powered car, but there are already plenty of ways you can extend your electric vehicle’s battery range, sans solid-state technology.
