Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) does not expect large-scale commercialization of solid-state batteries to become feasible until after 2030, according to chairman Dr. Robin Zeng. In a recent interview with Caijing Magazine, Zeng noted that hitting an annual production volume equivalent to one million vehicles is essential for industrial viability, yet current engineering hurdles restrict early applications to premium models priced above 250,000 yuan (around 36,920 USD).
Present-day manufacturing output still depends heavily on established liquid-electrolyte technologies. Figures from China EV DataTracker show that CATL’s installed capacity reached 33.08 GWh in May 2026, up from 29.06 GWh in April. Despite continuous R&D efforts, solid-state chemistries remain at level 4 on the nine-point Technology Readiness Level scale, meaning they are still confined to laboratory validation and prototype demonstrations.
One major roadblock is the solid-solid interface layer. Current production techniques employ warm isostatic pressing at pressures of roughly 6,000 atmospheres to consolidate dissimilar materials. However, inconsistencies in compaction density can lead to microstructural misalignment, raising internal resistance and accelerating cell degradation. These problems hold back rapid scale-up into mainstream vehicle segments.
For now, market deployment continues to favor liquid-chemistry platforms. In May 2026, lithium iron phosphate accounted for 23.12 GWh of installations, while ternary lithium variants contributed 9.96 GWh, sustaining the growth pattern seen in earlier months. To broaden supply chains, some battery providers are also looking into sodium-ion formats designed for extended cycle life.
Automotive suppliers are pursuing different solid-state development paths. While some concentrate on sulfide-based electrolytes, state-owned Dongfeng Motor is pushing forward an oxide-polymer cell intended for integration in the second half of 2026. That design aims for an energy density of 350 Wh/kg, a driving range exceeding 1,000 kilometers, and a 30% reduction in pack weight. Low-temperature testing at –30°C in Mohe resulted in capacity retention above 74%. In an aerospace-related trial, a 480 Wh/kg lithium-metal solid-state cell powered an unmanned vehicle across the Qiongzhou Strait.
CATL’s approach balances ongoing investment in long-term sulfide research — backed by a planned 10 billion yuan funding commitment — with the continued production of liquid-electrolyte batteries to satisfy current market demand.
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