China aims to bring solid-state batteries to the masses by 2030, new 5-year plan revealed

China revealed its 5-year plan to dominate the battery production industry with some ambitious goals. Perhaps the most intriguing bit involves solid-state batteries. The Chinese government will try to make them the norm by 2030.

It all starts with optimizing production and making solid-state batteries economically viable, but the plan also includes improving the life cycle of these batteries. The MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) encourages joint collaborations, restructuring and even corporate mergers as long as that leads to faster research and development.

MIIT also outlines guidelines that companies can follow, such as combining high-voltage, high-capacity cathode materials with new lithium-metal-based anodes as well as anode-free designs. The development of efficient isostatic presses for solid-state batteries is also on the menu.

Beyond the solid-state batteries, the document published by MIIT also talks about lithium-ion batteries. The goal is to produce lithium-ion batteries with at least 15,000 charge-discharge cycles and achieve product defect rates at the parts-per-billion (PPB) level.

Sodium batteries are also a point of interest, and the aim here is to improve cost, safety and resource availability. The MIIT sees sodium-based batteries as a great solution for cold climates in addition to offering high energy density and a long life cycle.

Additionally, the document calls for companies to fund the exploration and development of domestic lithium, cobalt and other mineral resources. It will also require manufacturers to take recycling seriously.

Companies are required to establish collection centers that take used batteries and should also align with the sales volumes. Interestingly, the requirement is valid for export markets, too.

Last but not least, the document proposes a digital management system for the batteries produced in the country and potentially establishing an internationally accepted battery passport and mutual recognition of carbon footprint data with other countries.

Via