Solid-state battery reality check - Hyundai and Kia say not until 2030

The whole world is talking about solid-state batteries and their promise of longer ranges, faster charging, and improved performance for electric cars. However, Hyundai and Kia are cooling the hype a bit, suggesting that the widespread commercial availability of this technology is still years away. Some automakers are promising rapid rollouts, but Hyundai Motor Group believes that solid-state batteries won't be ready for mass-market EVs until at least 2030.

Spencer Cho, Hyundai Motor Group's Global Product Planning Chief, stated during the unveiling of the Kia EV4 that the industry might be underestimating the challenges involved in developing these advanced batteries. He talked about the complexity of the technology and the hurdles that remain in scaling up production. This cautious approach sets Hyundai and Kia apart from other automakers who are going for earlier releases.

Japanese automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have set more aggressive timelines. Toyota aims to launch its first solid-state battery EVs by 2027 or 2028, but still admits mass-market models are coming in 2030. Honda is testing solid-state battery packs that could potentially deliver up to 620 miles of range. Nissan is working on a solid-state battery with double the capacity of current lithium-ion batteries, hoping to have it ready by 2028.

Despite the cautious stance on solid-state batteries, Hyundai and Kia are not wasting their time. They are actively working to improve existing battery technologies. This includes using Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries in more affordable EVs and Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) cells in performance-oriented models.

The reality is that battery technology breakthroughs are notoriously difficult. Hyundai's more realistic approach will help it avoid potential issues with early production and reliability. For consumers considering purchasing an EV, this means that current battery technologies will likely remain dominant for the next few years. Those waiting for a solid-state battery revolution might have to wait a little bit longer.

Via