Hyundai makes progress on solid-state batteries but challenges remain

Hyundai is nearing a pivotal moment in the race to develop solid-state batteries, a game-changing technology for electric vehicles.

Driving the news: Hyundai is wrapping up construction of a solid-state battery pilot production line at its South Korean research and development center.

• According to TheKoreanCarBlog, most of the necessary equipment is in place.

• Full-scale operations could begin as early as January, enabling Hyundai to test the batteries in prototypes sometime next year.

Why it matters: Solid-state batteries have long been seen as the next evolution in automotive technology, boosting range, decreasing charging times and preventing dangerous safety issues associated with modern generations of EVs.

• However, high manufacturing costs and limited real-world testing have slowed progress.

• Testing will allow Hyundai to evaluate the batteries under real-world driving conditions, addressing issues that could hinder a full rollout.

Zoom out: Hyundai isn’t the only one looking to make a breakthrough in solid-state technology.

• Nissan hopes to launch solid-state EVs by 2028, while Honda and Mercedes-Benz are targeting 600+ miles of range by the end of the decade.

• But while these batteries promise plenty of advantages, much progress needs to be made before the technology becomes commercially viable.

• For example, in the case of Honda, its current generation of prototypes are 100-times smaller than needed to power a fully-functioning EV.

Bottom line: While it's encouraging to see progress being made, it will likely take years before car buyers can easily access an EV with a solid-state battery. Until then, manufacturers will have their work cut out for them perfecting the technology.

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