Image: CATLIn an interview with the magazine Caijing, CATL Group CEO Robin Zeng explained that the commercialisation of solid-state batteries in vehicles still requires technological breakthroughs and that several manufacturing parameters must be addressed. Zeng considers mass commercialisation by 2030 unlikely and expects that initial applications will only be feasible for vehicles priced above 250,000 yuan (nearly €32,000 euros).According to company statements, CATL’s all-solid-state technology is currently at level four of the nine-level Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale. This classification means that CATL is still focused on laboratory validation and prototype development for solid-state batteries. Meanwhile, CATL has been working for years towards producing its first small batch of solid-state batteries by 2027.In March, a new patent revealed what type of solid-state battery the Chinese battery giant is planning. The patent summary indicated that CATL is focusing on a solid sulphide electrolyte. The anode active material is described as layers consisting of a substrate material, a cobalt-rich material, and a coating. The first two layers contain a transition metal oxide, while the coating material contains an electrolyte salt.Focus on sulphide-based solid-state cellsAccording to the portal Electrek, this salt is a fluorine-containing lithium salt that exhibits high thermal stability and can react with the sulfide electrolyte to form lithium fluoride, which is intended to act as a protective shield for the battery anode. This approach aims to mitigate the known instability of sulfide electrolytes.The patent itself does not include a timeline, but a report at the time by the portal CarNewsChina stated that CATL had already begun pilot production of solid-state batteries with an energy density of 500 Wh/kg. The report added: “According to corporate disclosures, all-solid-state chemistry currently sits at level four on the nine-point Technology Readiness Level scale. This ranking indicates that the architecture remains restricted to laboratory validation and prototype engineering phases.”In October 2025, however, CATL already tempered expectations, stating that “scientific challenges have largely been resolved” but that technical hurdles remain. Cost is a primary concern: “Sulphide-based solid-state cells are currently three to five times more expensive than conventional lithium-ion cells,” it was noted at the time.CATL has been engaged in research and development of solid-state batteries for over a decade. According to an earlier statement by CATL’s Chief Developer, Wu Kai, a large R&D team is now working on solid-state batteries and new battery systems. Collaborations with universities and other players in the battery industry are also intended to advance the technology.Speaking of collaborations: In early 2024, it was announced that a group of major Chinese battery and automotive manufacturers had joined forces to accelerate the commercialisation of solid-state batteries. CATL is among them. The Chinese government is considered the initiator of this alliance. The consortium, founded in January 2024 and named the China All-Solid-State Battery Collaborative Innovation Platform (CASIP), aims to develop and produce competitive solid-state batteries and establish a supply chain by 2030.China aims for technology leadershipIn addition to CATL, the alliance includes battery manufacturers such as CALB, EVE Energy, SVOLT, Gotion High-Tech, and BYD’s battery subsidiary FinDreams Battery. It also comprises several state-owned automotive manufacturers, as well as private companies BYD and Nio. Other participants include representatives from government and academia. According to an earlier report by the Japanese newspaper Nikkei, “influential state-backed funds are also listed as members of CASIP.”This demonstrates China’s determination not to relinquish its market-leading position in electric vehicle batteries due to a technological leap towards solid-state batteries. Against this backdrop, the new consortium will focus primarily on fundamental research, key technologies, the joint development and production of electric vehicles with solid-state batteries, and the establishment of a corresponding supply chain. Notably, the Beijing-coordinated initiative brings together competitors who are often fiercely vying for market share.finance.sina.com.cn (in Chinese) via carnewschina.com
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