CBVC has long championed solid-state batteries as being a game changer as far as electric vehicles are concerned. 2025 looks to be the year that could see this technology finally reaching production status.
Solid state batteries offer many advantages over more conventional lithium-ion batteries.
The key feature is the ability to store more energy in a lighter cell. This has a twofold effect: the lighter an EV, the further it will go on a charge; and it can offer greater range thanks to being more energy dense. Expect to see impressive ranges once the cars hit the road.
Other advantages are the removal of the flammable liquid electrolyte found in lithium-ion batteries, which reduces the risk of fires and thermal runaway; faster charging times; longer lifespan; and Improved performance in extreme temperatures because solid-state batteries are more resistant to extreme temperatures, making them more reliable in hot or cold climates.
Which manufacturers will be first with solid state batteries?
MG promises to be first on the road with a car powered by solid state batteries, according to a report in Autocar magazine. We don’t know the identity of the model yet, but we should see it before the summer – most likely on Chinese roads first.
In America, Stellantis brand Dodge is planning a solid state powered Dodge Charger muscle car with the battery provided by Factorial, a maker of solid state batteries. The batteries with have an energy density of 390 Wh/kg, which is significantly higher than most standard lithium-ion batteries which usually range around 200-300 Wh/kg.
Toyota has been promising the benefits of solid state batteries will be huge, and plans a vehicle with a massive 750 mile range, initially on its hybrid models. Expect cars on the road by 2027.
A nine minute charge is promised by Tesla, which plans a solide state battery car this year. It’s most likely in the Model Y and will boost range from over 300 miles to over 500 miles on a single charge.
Hyundai is testing solid-state battery vehicles extensively this year, but doesn’t expect to fully commercialise the technology until the end of the decade.
In Europe, Volkswagen is working with battery maker QuantumScape to revolutionise its electric vehicle product range. The company reports encouraging results following testing with just 5% degradation in performance over 1,000 charing cycles equivalent to 311,000 miles.
Mercedes-Benz is another car maker working with Factorial, and according to Reuters news agency, the battery which is called Solstice should extend battery range by over 80% compared to today’s lithium-ion battery cars. If this were to be extrapolated to the Mercedes-Benz EQS single motor 450+ which has a range of 511 miles this would give the car a theoretical range of over 900 miles on a charge.
All of this sounds massively promising for the future, but the reality of solid state batteries are still some way off.
Until then there are plenty of vehicles available to lease from CBVC with ranges in excess of 400 miles. These include:
- Volkswagen ID.7 Match Pro S 86kWh 286PS Auto – 437 miles
- Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive Long Range – 436 miles
- Peugeot E-3008 Long Range 230 Allure – 435 miles
For further information, browse our range of vehicles to lease.
