Hyundai predicts small-series solid-state battery vehicles within five years

Manfred Harrer, Head of R&D at Hyundai Motor Group, predicts that small-series vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries could appear within the next five years. While the technology is not yet ready for the mass market, Harrer emphasizes that the company cannot abandon the pursuit of solid-state cells due to their potential advantages.

Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte used in conventional lithium-ion batteries with a solid material, such as ceramic or polymer. This shift offers the potential for improved safety, faster charging times, smaller battery sizes, and increased driving range. However, significant hurdles remain, particularly regarding the high cost of raw materials and the difficulty of achieving large-scale automotive production.

Harrer noted that while small-scale production may be feasible in five years, the cost issues associated with raw materials are unlikely to be resolved in that timeframe. Hyundai is currently developing these cells internally and through partnerships with companies like Solid Power. Other major industry players, including Toyota, Volkswagen, BMW, and General Motors, are also investing heavily in this technology.