Automotive giant makes huge announcement about next-gen EV technology — here's what it means for consumers

Chinese automotive powerhouse Geely has announced a timeline for real-world validation of its in-house solid-state battery technology, further accelerating the industry's push toward production readiness.

The announcement follows a 2024 investment of nearly $850 million by the Chinese government, with Geely among six recipients to focus on developing all-solid-state batteries. 

Most EVs employ lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes for power, but solid-state versions promise longer range, faster charging, and safer operation through the use of solid electrolytes. 

All-solid-state batteries — which don't rely on any liquid or gel materials — are energy-dense, and Geely's research teams have claimed that its experimental cells offer about 400 watt-hours per kilogram, according to Interesting Engineering.

Today's commercial lithium-ion models usually achieve around 300 watt hours per kilogram and over 2,000 charging cycles, while the energy density of solid-state batteries promises more than 400 Wh/kg and over 5,000 cycles. 

Plus, the solid electrolyte structure allows for faster charging since it has lower resistance and is less prone to overheating or catching fire than lithium-ion models. 

Not only would these next-gen batteries boost consumer interest by offering more drive time without recharging, but they could also reduce the carbon footprint of electric vehicles.

Transportation & Environment reported that solid-state batteries could reduce the environmental impact of EVs by 24%, since they can store more energy with fewer materials.

If they were made with sustainably sourced materials — such as lithium harvested from geothermal wells — the outlet suggested the environmental impact could drop by 39% compared to today's lithium-ion batteries. 

That increased advantage over gas-powered models doesn't stop there. EVs don't produce tailpipe emissions, are cheaper to maintain, and drivers can save around 60% on fuel costs, per the Natural Resources Defense Council.

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According to CarNewsChina, Geely plans to launch prototype vehicles with ASSBs by 2026, followed by small-scale industrialization of the technology with a planned 1,000 demonstration vehicles by the following year. 

The goal is to scale up production and offer ASSBs with energy densities exceeding 500 Wh/kg in high-end models by 2030.

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