BASF and Chinese battery maker Welion say they’ve reached a key step in bringing semi-solid-state batteries to market. BASF Shanshan Battery Materials (BSBM), the company’s joint venture in China, has shipped its first batch of cathode active materials (CAM) for these batteries to Welion.

The project began in August 2024 and hit this milestone in just a year, according to Batteries News. The new CAM uses ultra-high nickel and a composite coating to address one of the toughest problems in solid-state development: the unstable interface between cathodes and solid electrolytes. Fixing that issue improves energy density, reduces resistance, and extends cycle life.

Welion plans to use the material in its next generation of semi-solid-state packs aimed at electric vehicles, large-scale storage, and smaller devices like drones. Semi-solid batteries are seen as a bridge between today’s lithium-ion cells and full solid-state designs. They promise better safety and durability than conventional batteries while being easier to scale than true solid-state.

“This is a milestone for our battery materials business,” said Desmond Long, CEO of BSBM. Welion’s general manager, Dr. Jin Xiang, added that BASF’s materials provide a strong base for further cooperation.

The battery industry is racing to find alternatives that boost range and safety for EVs. Full solid-state remains years away, but semi-solid options are getting closer to production. BASF and Welion’s progress shows the technology is moving out of the lab and into industrial supply chains — an encouraging sign for the next generation of energy storage.

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Eve Energy, one of China’s biggest battery makers and a competitor to Tesla suppliers like CATL and Panasonic, has started mass production of solid-state batteries — and drones might be the first in line to take advantage. The new cells promise better efficiency, higher energy density, and improved stability, all crucial for applications where every gram counts.

The company’s new Chengdu plant has already begun producing 10 Ah cells built with sulfide-based solid electrolytes. These can be combined into 60 Ah packs, aimed at powering unmanned aerial vehicles, humanoid robots such as Tesla’s Optimus, and even certain AI-driven IoT devices. Energy density sits at around 300 Wh/kg, a notable jump over the 200 Wh/kg or so in current lithium-ion batteries. For context, batteries can make up nearly 40 – 50% of a drone’s total weight, so every improvement helps extend flight times.

Solid-state designs also sidestep some of the issues of liquid electrolyte cells, performing better in extreme temperatures and offering stronger thermal stability. That makes them a strong fit for drones or robots expected to operate in tough environments. While companies like CATL and Panasonic argue solid-state tech is still too expensive for electric cars until the end of the decade, Eve Energy is moving ahead by targeting smaller-scale markets first. The Chengdu site is expected to reach 100 MWh annual capacity in 2026, with a roadmap toward even denser 400 Wh/kg cells.

For those wondering, the 800–850 Wh/L figures often cited for silicon-carbon batteries in recent Chinese phones (805 Wh/L in the OnePlus 13, for example) aren’t directly comparable here. That’s a volumetric energy density number, while Eve’s spec is given in Wh/kg — and since weight-to-volume ratios may differ between the two different types of batteries, they can’t be stacked side by side.

Eve isn’t the only player eyeing this space. Earlier this year, Canadian company Avidrone showed off a cargo drone powered by a Factorial solid-state pack. But with mass production underway, Eve Energy looks set to push the technology from lab to real-world use faster than most.

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Samsung is ramping up its efforts to develop and manufacture solid-state batteries, marking a significant step forward in battery technology. While progress has been slower compared to foldable displays, recent reports indicate that Samsung is making advancements in solid-state battery development. Two of its divisions, Samsung Electro-Mechanics and Samsung SDI, are taking the lead in manufacturing solid-state batteries for different market segments.

Samsung Advancing Solid-State Batteries for Mobile Devices and Electric Vehicles

Samsung Electro-Mechanics will focus on researching and developing oxide-based solid-state batteries for the IT segment, aiming to power future mobile devices with this revolutionary battery technology. Meanwhile, Samsung SDI will concentrate on developing solid-state batteries with sulfide electrolytes for electric vehicles (EVs).

Solid-state batteries hold immense importance due to their numerous advantages. One key benefit is their higher energy storage capacity compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, solid-state batteries are much safer as they do not catch fire if punctured, addressing a major safety concern associated with lithium-based batteries.

This safety aspect makes solid-state batteries particularly desirable for electric vehicle manufacturers. By eliminating the risk of fire upon impact, they contribute to improving the overall safety of EVs. However, the benefits extend beyond the automotive industry. The IT market would also benefit from this technological advancement, as solid-state batteries would enhance the safety and durability of smartphones and tablets.

Samsung is not the only company exploring solid-state batteries. Earlier this year, Xiaomi claimed to have developed a working prototype of a smartphone powered by a solid-state battery, though with limited details provided. However, Samsung has a promising opportunity to become one of the largest suppliers in this domain. Reports suggest that Samsung Electro-Mechanics has acquired 14 additional patents related to solid-state battery technology and is preparing to unveil a new prototype model.

The development and widespread adoption of solid-state batteries have the potential to revolutionize various industries, offering enhanced energy storage capabilities, improved safety, and increased durability. Samsung’s progress in this area signifies a significant step forward and paves the way for a future powered by solid-state battery technology.

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Xiaomi, the Chinese electronics giant, has announced a breakthrough in solid-state battery technology that promises to deliver higher energy density, better low-temperature performance, and enhanced safety. The company claims that its pre-developed solid-state battery technology achieves energy density of over 1000Wh/L, a 20% improvement in low-temperature discharge performance, and a significant increase in the acupuncture experiment passing rate.

The main difference between solid-state batteries and traditional batteries is the electrolyte, which is upgraded to a solid state. Solid electrolytes offer better mechanical strength and stability than liquid electrolytes, which are commonly used in traditional batteries. They also have the potential to solve many of the challenges facing traditional batteries, such as low energy density, poor low-temperature performance, and safety issues.

Solid-state batteries have the potential to revolutionize the battery industry, and Xiaomi’s new technology promises to be a game-changer. The company’s laboratory tests have shown that its solid-state batteries have an energy density of over 1000Wh/L, which is a significant improvement over traditional batteries. This means that more energy can be stored in a smaller space, which is critical for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The company packed a super large 6000mAh battery capacity into the prototype of Xiaomi 13 smartphone, significantly improving battery life.

In addition to the high energy density, Xiaomi’s solid-state batteries also offer improved low-temperature performance. At low temperatures, the viscosity of the electrolyte in traditional batteries rises sharply, hindering the transport capacity of lithium ions and resulting in a rapid decline of 60% lithium conductivity. However, solid-state batteries can maintain sufficient lithium conductivity at low temperatures, which means they can perform better in cold environments. Xiaomi claims that its solid-state batteries have more than 20% higher discharge performance than traditional batteries at -20°C, making them suitable for use even in high latitudes.

Another major benefit of Xiaomi’s solid-state batteries is their improved safety. The use of a solid electrolyte can prevent the penetration of lithium dendrites, which can cause short circuits and other safety issues. Xiaomi’s technical team has also developed a method to improve the resistance to acupuncture of its solid-state batteries. By coating the positive electrode with solid electrolyte ceramics, the battery can better withstand needle puncture and prevent the communication between the positive and negative electrodes, ensuring the safety of use.

Overall, Xiaomi’s new solid-state battery technology represents a significant step forward in the development of next-generation batteries. The technology has the potential to significantly improve the performance and safety of batteries and could lead to the development of new innovations for mobile devices and other electronics.

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Sakuu, an innovative startup headquartered in Silicon Valley, has introduced a game-changing 3D printer that has the potential to transform battery production as we know it. By leveraging the printer’s capabilities, the company can create solid-state batteries that can fit into any shape or size. From smartphones to household appliances and e-bikes, these batteries can power a range of devices, making them more efficient and cost-effective.

Traditionally, battery manufacturing involves laminating and stacking sheets of material, which are then rolled into cylinders or other shapes. This method, however, is not feasible for solid materials that can break easily. Sakuu’s 3D printer utilizes powder to maintain thin layers and ensure optimal performance. The technology behind the printer was developed at MIT, and it minimizes material waste, making it cost-effective.

Sakuu’s 3D printer is not only cost-effective but also space-efficient, requiring only around 400 square feet to manufacture 100 megawatt hours of batteries per year. In contrast, older machinery takes up 16,000 square feet and produces only 2.5 megawatt hours. The increased efficiency of Sakuu’s 3D printer is expected to reduce battery production costs by nearly 50%.

The company is presently working with aviation industry clients to develop airplane batteries in customized shapes to manage heat. It has also demonstrated the printer’s ability to produce functional batteries using different materials and designs, and it claims to be the first company in the world to do so. Scaling up production equipment is the next phase for the company before it licenses the technology to clients in the battery, automobile, and other sectors.

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Smartphones have become an essential part of our lives, but they are also constantly evolving. In the next five years, we can expect some major breakthroughs that will change how we use and interact with our devices. Here are the top three technologies that will revolutionize smartphones in the near future:

1. Satellite Connectivity: Imagine being able to send and receive messages anywhere on Earth, even without a cellular network. That’s what satellite connectivity promises to deliver. Several smartphone makers, such as Samsung, Apple and Huawei have already introduced devices that can connect to satellites for emergency purposes, but some are going a step further and enabling two-way SMS messages. This means you can stay in touch with your loved ones, access vital information, and get help when you need it most, no matter where you are.

2. Solid State Batteries: One of the biggest challenges of smartphone users is battery life. No one likes running out of juice or having to charge their phone frequently. That’s why solid state batteries are so exciting. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolyte solution, solid state batteries use solid electrolyte. This means they can pack more energy in less space, resulting in longer battery life and faster charging times. Solid state batteries are also safer and more stable than lithium-ion batteries, reducing the risk of overheating or exploding.

3. Flexible Displays: What if you could fold, bend, or twist your smartphone screen without breaking it? That’s what flexible displays offer. OLED displays are used for creating flexible screens that can adapt to different shapes and sizes. Smartphones with flexible displays can transform from a compact smartphone to a larger tablet, giving you more versatility and functionality. You can also enjoy better durability, lighter weight, and more multitasking options with flexible phones.

Speaking of flexible displays, our team here at Gizmochina got the chance to review Oppo’s 2023 flagship foldable, the Oppo Find N2. The Oppo Find N2 features Qualcomm’s powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage, alongside its large 7.1-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED inner display.

To know more about the Oppo Find N2, you watch our review video here on YouTube.

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