Recent demonstrations of Samsung's breakthroughs in battery technology, particularly about solid-state batteries, caused quite a stir in the industry.

The business declared its prototype solid-state battery production line completely operational during the SNE Battery Day 2024 event in Seoul, South Korea.

According to Samsung SDI, as cited by The Elec, "We built a pilot line last year to mass-produce all-solid-state batteries by 2027." Furthermore, EV makers have already received the battery's initial batches for testing. 

"From the end of last year to the beginning of this year, we provided samples to customers, and we are getting good feedback," said Samsung SDI.


Interestingly, these batteries have a 20-year lifespan, can charge in 9 minutes, and can power electric cars with a 600-mile range.

Promising features and initial focus

Compared to the lithium-ion batteries that are already found in the majority of electric cars, these solid-state batteries are anticipated to be safer, lighter, and more compact. They have the power to completely transform the EV market.

The use of all-solid-state batteries can improve safety by substituting solid parts for liquid ones. They take up less space and weigh less when utilized in the same pack size as current items, the business said.

However, the first deployment of these batteries will be restricted to the "super premium" EV category due to their high production costs.

Here, the term "super premium" denotes a driving range of about 600 miles between charges. Furthermore, Samsung is set to launch premium segment high-nickel NCS products.

Advanced energy density

With an energy density of 500 Wh/kg, Samsung's oxide solid-state battery technology nearly doubles the energy density of conventional EV batteries, which is 270 Wh/kg. The existing electric vehicle's driving range might be doubled with this increased density.

Furthermore, rather than referring to a complete charge from 0% to 100%, Samsung's estimate of 9 minutes for charging probably relates to the conventional measurement of charging a battery from 10% or 20% to 80% capacity.

This is a standard procedure in the industry since, to preserve battery longevity and health, charging speeds often decrease dramatically after 80%.

Apart from working on solid-state batteries, Samsung is also creating cobalt-free and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries at a lower cost, along with a dry electrode production technique. By 2026, Samsung SDI stressed, "We will not only match prices in the popular and entry-level segments, but also mass produce products that can be rapidly charged in 9 minutes."

Focus on longevity

Still, a major obstacle is the restricted availability of infrastructure for charging. There aren't many Chinese battery manufacturers that provide 5C or 6C charging speeds, which are comparable to 480kW and even 600kW charging stations.

What is noteworthy, though, is how openly all battery manufacturers are attempting to extend battery life. Known as "million-mile" batteries, CATL and other battery manufacturers have previously shown their 20-year batteries. Samsung's goal to "extend the battery life to 20 years" is consistent with the general direction of the market.


Despite Samsung's noteworthy advancements in solid-state batteries, the business still has to contend with a Chinese-dominated market.