BYD confirms plans for EVs with all-solid-state batteries to begin rolling out in 2027

BYD exects its first EVs powered by all-solid-state batteries will arrive in 2027. Although the Chinese EV giant has already achieved several breakthroughs with the new battery tech, it could still be a few years before it reaches large-scale adoption. Here’s when BYD expects that to happen.

When will BYD launch EVs with all-solid-state batteries?

At the 2nd annual China All-Solid-State Battery and Development Summit over the weekend, Sun Huajun, the CTO of BYD’s battery business (Shenzen BYD Lithium Battery Co), revealed an updated timeline on the company’s progress.

According to Sun, BYD expects its first EVs with all-solid-state batteries to arrive in 2027. The first two years, between 2027 and 2029, will serve as a demonstration phase with limited production.

In 2030, BYD expects the new battery tech to be adopted on a large scale and plans to begin mass production around then. In the initial phase, around 2027, BYD will use sulfide-based solid-state batteries that will mainly be used in higher-end vehicles.

Sun said sulfide electrolytes can last longer, offer faster charging, and are more stable. A local report last November claimed China’s CATL was also developing sulfide-based all-solid-state EV batteries.

The report from LatePost (via CnEVPost) claimed CATL entered the production phase of 20 Ah samples, like BYD.

CATL is also planning to begin producing all-solid-state EV batteries in 2027 but in small volumes at first.

It’s been over a decade since BYD began all solid-state battery research in 2013. As Sun explained, in 2023, BYD had already verified mass production was possible with various cell systems, materials, and other supporting tech. Last year, BYD began testing solid-state battery cells with 20 Ah and 60 Ah capacity.

BYD is the world’s second-largest EV battery maker, behind CATL. According to SNE Research, CATL was the top EV battery maker with a 37.9% share of the market. BYD was second at 17.2%.

Due to supply and cost constraints, BYD plans to continue making LFP batteries over the next 15 to 20 years. The all-solid-state batteries will initially be used in luxury models, such as BYD’s Denza or Yangwang brands.

Electrek’s Take

As the market continues shifting to electric vehicles, automakers and other companies are doubling down on battery tech as the future.

All-solid-state batteries have been promoted as “the next-generation” and “holy grail” of EV battery tech because of their potential to offer higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety over traditional lithium-ion.

However, several hurdles are expected to remain barriers to large-scale adoption, including high costs and issues scaling the production of the solid electrolyte.

While CATL and BYD look to stay ahead of the competition, automakers and other companies are also betting on all-solid-state batteries.

Local reports suggest Hyundai plans to reveal its all-solid-state EV battery pilot line for the first time next month. The rumors follow Japanese rival Honda, which unveiled its pilot line for the new battery tech in November. Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Stellantis, Nissan, and many others are also developing solid-state batteries.

Source: CnEVPost