The Electric Car Arms Race: Samsung Unveils a Game-Changing Battery.

According to The Elec, Samsung has recently made waves in the electric vehicle battery sector, particularly in solid-state batteries, by introducing a brand new battery type: charging 600 miles in just 9 minutes with a 20-year lifespan.

At the International Battery, Rechargeable Battery, and Energy Storage Technology Expo (Battery Expo 2024) held in Seoul, South Korea, the company revealed that its solid-state battery pilot production line is now fully operational.

“Last year, we built a pilot line to mass-produce solid-state batteries by 2027. Furthermore, the first batches of batteries have been delivered to electric vehicle manufacturers for testing. We have been providing samples to customers from late last year to early this year and are receiving positive feedback,” said Samsung.

These solid-state batteries are expected to be smaller, lighter, and safer than the lithium-ion batteries currently used in most electric vehicles. “Solid-state batteries can enhance safety by replacing liquid components with solid ones. When used with the same package size as existing products, they will reduce weight and take up less space,” the company emphasized.

However, due to the high production costs, the initial application of these batteries will be limited to the “super-premium” electric vehicle segment – meaning vehicles with a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers.

Samsung’s solid-state oxide battery technology boasts an energy density of 500 Wh/kg, almost double the density of 270 Wh/kg of regular electric vehicle batteries. This increased density has the potential to double the range of current electric vehicles.

Samsung’s claim of a 9-minute charge may refer to the standard measurement of charging a battery from 10% or 20% to 80% capacity instead of a full charge from 0% to 100%. This practice is common in the industry as the charging speed typically slows down significantly beyond the 80% mark to protect the health and longevity of the battery.

In addition to its solid-state battery research, Samsung is also developing more affordable lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and cobalt-free batteries, as well as a dry electrode production method to reduce costs.

Limited infrastructure remains a significant challenge in the electric vehicle battery industry. While some Chinese battery manufacturers have offered 5C or 6C charging speeds, equivalent to 480kW and even 600kW charging stations, their numbers are quite scarce.

Battery manufacturers are trending towards extending the lifespan of electric vehicle batteries. CATL and other battery manufacturers have announced batteries with a 20-year lifespan, often referred to as “million-mile” batteries. Samsung’s vision of extending battery life to 20 years aligns with this broader market trend.

Despite making strides in solid-state battery technology, Samsung still faces intense competition from Chinese manufacturers.

According to InsideEVs