For Chinese BYD, solid-state batteries will be on the market sooner than expected

Will China become number one in the next generation of batteries for electric cars? The boss of BYD believes in it and sees the arrival of solid-state batteries in volume in the short term.

Solid-state batteries are supposed to be the answer to many problems with lithium-ion batteries, whether in terms of their density, their sensitivity to temperature or their charging characteristics. The only problem is that their industrialization is constantly delayed. All the players are working on the subject, and it is now the end of the decade which is mentioned for their arrival on the market.

But in China, we obviously have a different vision. While semi-solid-state batteries are in their infancy, a BYD manager speaks of a much closer arrival. According to Lian Yubo, head of the Chinese manufacturer’s scientific sector, these new batteries will already be widely used in five years. The debut of exclusive models in small series can therefore be expected within just two or three years. This is a short-term perspective in an industry such as the automobile industry. A trajectory similar to that of CATL which plans to launch in 2027.

Remember that BYD and CATL are the two largest producers of batteries for electric cars in the world. Both are also involved in CASIP (China All-Solid State Battery Innovation Platform), an organization set up at the beginning of the year by the Chinese government to ensure the development and industrialization of this technology. CASIP brings together battery producers, automobile manufacturers and government agencies who work hand in hand.

This is the first time that BYD has officially spoken out on the subject.