LG Energy Solution names the main obstacle for solid-state batteries
South Korea’s LG Energy Solution believes that the mass adoption of solid-state batteries may initially begin not in electric vehicles, but in compact electronics and other specialized devices. The company named the establishment of large-scale production as the main obstacle for the technology, InsideEVs reports.
Robert Lee, president of LG Energy Solution in North America, spoke about the issue during a media roundtable at the company’s new plant in Lansing, Michigan. According to him, solid-state cells have high energy density, so they could be used in small form factors. At the same time, producing large battery cells remains difficult for most companies.
First areas of application
Lee expects solid-state batteries to appear in smartphones about a decade earlier than in mass-market electric vehicles. He also suggested that the technology would initially be used in specialized solutions before it could be considered suitable for electric cars or energy storage systems.
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InsideEVs lists smartphones, drones, and high-performance-oriented electric vehicles among the possible early applications. Automakers are already testing such solutions in prototypes. Last year, Mercedes-Benz drove nearly 750 miles on a single charge in a prototype EQS sedan with a semi-solid-state battery from U.S. company Factorial Energy. BMW installed a fully solid-state battery from startup Solid Power in an i7 prototype, while Stellantis is testing a semi-solid-state battery pack in the electric Dodge Charger Daytona.
Development of lithium-ion technologies
LG Energy Solution is developing other battery technologies in parallel. Together with General Motors, the company is working on lithium-manganese-rich LMR batteries with reduced nickel and cobalt content and greater use of manganese. General Motors previously stated that from 2028, such cells are expected to be used in large pickup trucks and SUVs, providing a range of more than 400 miles at a cost close to that of cheaper LFP batteries.
LG Energy Solution is also preparing to produce 46-series lithium-ion cells at its future gigafactory in Arizona. The company considers them suitable for next-generation electric vehicles with structural battery packs. Separately, the manufacturer is preparing a pilot program for sodium-ion batteries for energy storage systems.
