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On the horizon: Samsung has recently unveiled its latest battery innovations designed to power the future of electric vehicles. From solid-state cells promising over 600 miles of range to ultra-fast charging and extended lifespans, the tech giant presented an ambitious roadmap.
Currently in pilot production and testing with automakers, Samsung’s oxide solid-state batteries boast an impressive energy density of around 500 Wh/kg – about double that of today’s mainstream EV batteries. According to The Elec, these batteries can reach a full charge in just nine minutes and have lifespans of up to an incredible 20 years.
Samsung SDI Vice President Ko Joo-young notes that car manufacturers are highly enthusiastic about these next-gen batteries because they are significantly smaller, lighter, and much safer than current EV batteries. However, the high production costs mean they’ll initially be limited to the “super premium” EV segment. Luxury electric cars using this technology can travel between 900-1,000 kilometers (over 600 miles) on a single charge without significantly increasing battery size and weight.
Similarly, Toyota aims to start mass-producing long-lasting solid-state batteries by 2027. However, the carmaker warns that its first deployment will likely be limited to premium Lexus EVs.
While Samsung’s and Toyota’s plans sound game-changing, they are still playing catch-up with Chinese battery makers. This timeline places the two behind the current EV battery leader, China’s CATL. Notebookcheck reports that CATL expects a one-percent solid-state penetration rate by 2027.
Meanwhile, Chinese rival NIO already offers semi-solid-state batteries that enable over 650 miles of range. Others have achieved ultra-rapid 5C or 6C charging speeds, although the main challenge of deploying sufficient charging infrastructure remains significant.
Samsung will also face competition from South Korean rival LG on the solid-state front. Although LG trails Samsung’s 2027 target by three years, LG Energy Solutions claims it is aggressively developing dry electrode-based solid-state technology, putting it “ahead of the curve.”
However, solid-state technology isn’t Samsung’s only focus. The company is also developing cheaper lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and cobalt-free batteries to compete in the more affordable EV segments. The popularity of LFP batteries is rapidly growing. A recent report highlighted that this technology already accounts for 40 percent of EV sales.
