Faced with China, it is urgent for Europe to organize itself before the next battery revolution

In collaboration with industrial partners, researchers from Aachen University, Germany, attempted to measure the potential of a solid-state battery industry in Europe. In particular, they identified priority areas. But China is ahead.

A market worth 550 billion euros in 2035

Researchers are calling for the creation of a European equivalent to CASIP (China All-Solid State Battery Innovation Platform), an alliance of Chinese battery and car manufacturers. Created in 2024 at the initiative of the Chinese government, this consortium aims to advance the commercialization of solid-state batteries. Academics believe Europe can still play a role in this race.

According to Professor Achim Kampker, director of the PEM (Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components), the solid-state battery market could reach 1,200 GWh by 2035. Financially, total sales are expected to be around 550 billion euros. To capture a significant share, the producers of the Old Continent will have to “ innovate quickly » et « position themselves as key players ».

What are the priority areas?

German researchers have identified priority areas, including production “ thin and dense layers for solid electrolytes and lithium metal “. Or the design of electrodes “ with optimal ionic conduction “. The study also reveals that “ heat treatment steps must be optimized, especially for ceramic-based solid electrolytes ».

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The authors insist on the need to put in place “ a tailor-made manufacturing process » for new cell formats. In reality, up to 60% of existing production processes will need to be reinvented to produce at scale. But China is already ahead. CATL, for example, has started the final pre-production phase for solid cells offering 500 Wh/kg.