(Text by Observer Net, Zhang Jiadong; Editor by Gao Xin)

From the Xiaomi SU7 to the Li Auto Mega, recent multiple electric vehicle combustion accidents have once again raised doubts about the safety of electric vehicle power systems.

Although the accident investigation results have not been released yet, increasingly strict battery safety standards are being steadily implemented. However, in the comment sections of many accident reports, consumer calls for solid-state batteries to be put into use have become increasingly intense.

Solid-State Battery, Getty Images

Full-solid-state batteries are a new generation of lithium-ion batteries that replace liquid electrolytes with solid electrolytes. From a chemical perspective, compared to traditional liquid lithium batteries, which have risks of flammability and explosion, solid-state batteries have characteristics such as high energy density and high safety, and are therefore considered a breakthrough technology for pure electric vehicles. However, for a long time, the industrialization of full-solid-state batteries has faced numerous challenges, whether in terms of technology, cost, or manufacturing, all of which are obstacles to large-scale implementation.

However, as an industry-recognized "key" to achieving breakthroughs in balancing energy density and safety, full-solid-state batteries have seen their first wave of investment this year in China. The reasons behind this include the fact that the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology officially included full-solid-state batteries in the standard construction field this year, and on the other hand, domestic technological research and development achievements have progressed and the timetable is becoming increasingly clear.

At the same time, China is not the only country focusing on solid-state batteries. In Japan, where the automotive industry's electrification transition has been slow, solid-state batteries have always been viewed as a key to breaking the current global electrification market structure.

According to data from the research institution TrendForce, China and South Korea rank second to Japan in terms of solid-state battery patents and commercialization. As of 2024, Japan accounted for 36% of global solid-state battery patent applications, while China and South Korea were 27% and 18%, respectively.

With the clarification of technical routes and timetables by multiple Chinese and Japanese companies this year, the competition between China and Japan in full-solid-state battery technology will soon move out of the laboratory and be verified in the market.

Looking at the end of October this year alone, several Chinese and Japanese companies have announced their phase-specific technological achievements and mass production timelines for solid-state batteries.

Xinwangda Official Website

On October 23, at the 2025 New Energy Battery Industry Development Conference, Xinwangda officially launched its new polymer solid-state battery product - "Xin Bi Xiao". Xinwangda stated that as its first generation of full-solid-state battery products, the battery can achieve an energy density of up to 400Wh/kg. The 20Ah cell achieves a cycle life of 1200 weeks under an ultra-low external pressure of less than 1MPa, and passes rigorous safety tests such as a 200℃ thermal box, demonstrating extremely high safety.

Xu Zhong, Director of the Central Research Institute of Xinwangda Power, said that Xinwangda plans to build a 0.2GWh pilot line with higher compatibility for solid-state batteries by the end of this year, capable of producing 60Ah cell units, and the process speed can reach 10ppm.

In addition, the company has already successfully produced laboratory samples of a 520Wh/kg lithium metal super battery; in terms of safety, the lithium metal battery after cycling can still pass the 200℃ thermal box test, 3mm nail penetration, and 115% SOC overcharge test.

Interestingly, within a week of Xinwangda releasing its new solid-state battery, Nissan also stated that it had achieved performance equivalent to twice the range of existing batteries. According to a report by Nikkei Chinese Network, this achievement marks another step forward for Nissan toward the practical application of solid-state batteries by 2028.

Nissan Solid-State Battery Prototype Plant, Nissan Automotive Official Website

Nissan stated that it used electrode manufacturing technology from the U.S. startup LiCAP Technologies to achieve the target performance. Nissan mentioned that it adopted fibrous binders in the positive electrode material, which can more efficiently promote ion movement. However, using these fibrous binders requires a "dry electrode" manufacturing method, which the U.S. company happens to possess.

However, as a partner of LiCAP Technologies, the company does not yet have a track record of large-scale production lines. To achieve practical application, it still needs to overcome the technical challenge of producing high-quality electrodes in a short time.

In January this year, Nissan initiated experimental production, aiming to master the technology for mass-producing entire battery packs. The company set its target cost at $75 per kilowatt-hour (approximately 532.8 RMB). For comparison, a survey report published by BloombergNEF showed that the average price of global lithium battery packs in 2024 was $115 per kilowatt-hour (approximately 817 RMB).

Japanese Solid-State Battery Mass Production Plan, Nikkei Chinese Network

It is not only Nissan that has set the mass production time of solid-state batteries around 2027. Toyota and Honda, which started small-batch trials last year, as well as Chinese automakers such as BYD and Chery, all plan to verify mass production and installation around this key time point.

Main Automakers' Solid-State Battery Mass Production Plans, Dianche Tong Statistical Data

Among them, Toyota will launch a mass-produced vehicle with a driving range 2.4 times longer than current EVs, capable of driving approximately 1,200 km, between 2027 and 2028; Honda plans to double the driving range per volume of the battery in the second half of the 2020s; Chery has demonstrated the Rhino S full-solid-state battery module with an energy density of up to 600Wh/kg, with a driving range of 1,200–1,300 km; BYD, after launching a 400Wh/kg full-solid-state battery in July this year, expects to break through 1,500 km of total driving range by 2027.

If we look at the commercialization timetable provided by the automakers, the "revolutionary battle" of solid-state batteries in new energy vehicles seems to be just around the corner. However, according to industry judgments, even though solid-state batteries have broad application prospects, they still have a long way to go before entering the mainstream market from specific scenarios.

China International Capital Corporation stated: "Solid-state batteries are expected to achieve large-scale mass production first in eVTOL and consumer fields, and then gradually achieve mass production in the power field. It is estimated that the penetration rate in the power field will reach 3% by 2030."

Mr. Hiroto Nakatani, Director of the Material Development Department at Idemitsu Advanced Materials Co., Ltd.'s Lithium Battery Materials Division, also said, "During the development of full-solid-state batteries, we encounter new challenges with every step forward. First, we are working on developing the next-generation EV for Toyota (to be released between 2027 and 2028), but I believe that mass production will come after that."

Xinwangda's Vice President Liang Rui bluntly stated, "Japanese and American companies have claimed that full-solid-state batteries will be industrialized by 2027. Personally, I feel that this is somewhat overly confident. The most optimistic scenario is that small-scale production may begin after 2030, and it is unlikely to completely replace liquid lithium batteries on a large scale."

In other words, as the ultimate solution to battery technology recognized by the industry, the technological rivalry between China and Japan in solid-state battery technology is accelerating towards direct market confrontation. However, who will trigger the revolutionary new generation of battery technology remains to be comprehensively evaluated based on multiple dimensions including cost, battery capacity, lifespan, and safety.

Currently, full-solid-state batteries are seen as a key technology for Japanese automakers to overturn the market share of approximately 70% held by Chinese car battery companies. However, to transform the accumulated research and development of batteries into market success, what ultimately matters is not slogans, but real skills and strength.

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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7566074426198950406/

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