Samsung may bring solid-state batteries, often touted as “dream batteries,” to the market by 2027. Its battery development and manufacturing division, called Samsung SDI, has reportedly formed an internal team to accelerate the commercialization of the new type of battery. The Korean firm has already finalized its manufacturing strategies and set up a test production line.
Samsung is gearing up to commercialize solid-state batteries
The all-solid-state battery (ASB) technology will bring several advancements to the battery industry. These batteries feature a solid electrolyte, the medium through which ions flow to produce current or power. The current generation of batteries has a liquid electrolyte, which requires a separator between the positive (anode) and negative (cathode) electrodes.
A solid electrolyte doesn’t require a separator and allows for higher energy density, effectively leading to higher battery capacity in smaller packages. Moreover, there is a low risk of fire and explosion. These batteries are also said to retain the capacity for a longer period compared to existing lithium-ion solutions, i.e. better battery health. No wonder why they call them the “dream batteries.”
Research and development of ASB has been ongoing for over a decade now, with Samsung at the forefront of it. Earlier this year, the Korean media reported that the company was almost ready to produce solid-state batteries, though no timeline was available. The Korea Economic Daily now reports that Samsung has set up an ASB test production line at its Suwon research center.
The test production line was opened in March this year. The company has also formed a team to work on the commercialization of the solution. Go Joo-young, the head of the marketing team for Samsung’s battery division, will lead the new internal team. According to the new report, the firm is aiming for a market release of solid-state batteries by 2027.
Samsung SDI will use sulfide-based technology for ASB
Solid-state batteries use ceramic (sulfide or oxide) or polymer materials as the electrolyte—or composites combining ceramics and polymers. Samsung SDI will reportedly use sulphide-based electrolytes, which offer the best ion conductivity. It plans to develop batteries with an energy density of over 900 Wh/L.
Samsung is likely planning to initially make solid-state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). It may later make ASB for smaller products such as smartphones. A previous report said that the firm will use oxide-based electrolytes for solid-state batteries for IT products. This is because oxides have greater stability and are suitable for making smaller batteries. We may get to learn more about Samsung’s ASB plans in the coming months.