Geely's solid-state battery promises over 1,000 km
New prototype could double the energy density of current batteries
Geely announced that starting in 2027, it will begin pilot tests of a solid-state battery that can achieve up to 500 Wh/kg and offer more than 1,000 km of range per charge. The announcement put the technology in the spotlight of searches, as it represents a significant leap compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
What is a solid-state battery
Unlike current batteries, which use liquid or gel electrolytes, solid-state batteries replace this component with a solid material – ceramic, polymeric, or composite. This change can increase energy density and reduce the risk of thermal runaway, as it eliminates flammable materials present in lithium cells.
Energy Density and Range Target
The 500 Wh/kg target corresponds to the cell's value, not the complete package installed in the vehicle. Even so, this number represents approximately double the density found in some lithium-ion batteries currently in use, which reach about 192 Wh/kg in Geely's own Short Blade family LFP cells. If achieved, the new technology would allow maintaining the current battery size and doubling the range, or reducing volume and weight while maintaining the current range.
Production and Validation Challenges
The project will first enter a controlled validation stage, where thousands of units will be tested under real conditions of temperature, vibration, recharging cycles, and different types of road surfaces. The goal is to prove that the performance observed in the laboratory is replicated on the streets. Among the risks cited are microscopic cracks and separations in the internal layers, which can compromise cell efficiency.
Impact for the Brazilian Consumer
A range exceeding 1,000 km would reduce the dependence on fast chargers for long trips, especially in regions where infrastructure is still limited. However, charging time, the vehicle's final price, and the availability of charging points will continue to influence the user experience.
Market Outlook
Geely has not yet set an official date for the commercialization of the solid-state battery in Brazil. The trend is for its first use to be in premium models linked to the group, such as Zeekr, Volvo, Polestar, or Lotus, where the additional cost can be more easily absorbed. Until the technology achieves mass production, conventional LFP and NMC batteries are expected to remain dominant in the market in the coming years.
With information from A Revista.
Source: A Revista