Superconductors, Solid-State Batteries and New Materials — 2026-09-28
The big story this week is China's new five-year battery plan targeting large-scale all-solid-state battery use by 2030, released just today. BYD confirmed its first all-solid-state vehicle for 2027, Mercedes-Benz secured priority rights to ProLogium's Gen4 cells, and Korea's solid-state theme stocks rallied hard. On the research side, Sichuan University unveiled an ultra-high-nickel all-solid-state breakthrough, while skepticism grew over Donut Lab's "miracle" solid-state cell.
Superconductors, Solid-State Batteries and New Materials — 2026-09-28
Top developments
China unveils 5-year battery plan targeting large-scale all-solid-state use by 2030
China published a five-year battery industry plan on September 28 that prioritizes breakthroughs in all-solid-state battery technologies to accelerate next-generation battery roll-out, with large-scale all-solid-state use targeted by 2030. The policy sets a national roadmap that aligns CATL's planned 2027 small-batch vehicle deployment and BYD's commercialization timeline with state backing. This is the clearest signal yet that solid-state is moving from lab competition to industrial policy.
BYD confirms 2027 first model, mass production around 2030
BYD disclosed its all-solid-state battery commercialization timetable: the first vehicle equipped with an all-solid-state battery is planned for 2027, with mass production around 2030, per reporting citing Engadget's September 27 article quoting senior vice-president Stella Li. Chinese media peg the solid-pack range at 1,218 km. Details on the specific model, capacity and performance remain undisclosed.
Mercedes-Benz gets first rights to ProLogium Gen4 solid-state cells
On September 24, Electrek reported that Mercedes-Benz secured first rights to ProLogium's fourth-generation solid-state EV battery cells, building on a nearly 10-year relationship between the two companies. ProLogium's Taiwanese investor EV Applied Materials (이브이첨단소재) confirmed the joint testing with Mercedes-Benz in Korean media on September 28. It marks the first OEM priority deal for a Gen4 solid-state pack.
Sichuan University unveils ultra-high-nickel all-solid-state breakthroughs
Sichuan University released two core breakthroughs on September 20, reported by SMM this week: an ultra-high-nickel cathode with 0.1C discharge specific capacity exceeding 240mAh/g — above the current market best — plus a solid-state electrolyte advance. A 240mAh/g-class high-nickel cathode addresses one of the key pairing challenges for sulfide all-solid-state cells.
Donut Lab's "miracle solid-state battery" faces forensic skepticism
Electrek reported on September 23 that Donut Lab's new Intertek test report found only 3.4 ppm lithium in its claimed solid-state battery — but tested just two elements on a single cell that Donut itself tore down, far short of independent validation. The episode shows why verified third-party characterization matters for extraordinary materials claims. Li2S production-line construction is meanwhile accelerating across the industry, though SMM notes the cost contradiction remains unresolved.
Local view
Korea: Korean media are buzzing with the solid-state theme rally — Pinpoint News reported on September 28 strong buying in solid-state battery theme stocks from Lotte Energy Materials to Samsung SDI, as commercialization timelines firm up. Seoul Economic Daily struck a cautionary note on September 23, carrying skeptics who argue mass production within 5 years will be difficult. Sisa Journal-e framed the race as Korea's bid to reclaim leadership from Chinese price competition via all-solid-state and sodium-ion.
China: Sina's analysis columns examined the 10 most representative solid-state players, noting CATL holds 2,000+ solid-state patents, delivered semi-solid packs for NIO ET9, targets 500Wh/kg and plans 2027 small-batch vehicle deployment.
Japan: Kabutan ran a special feature on "next-generation battery" stocks expected to grow as social deployment begins for solid-state technology.
Context & numbers
- China's August domestic power battery installations totaled 79GWh, up 26.3% YoY; CATL led with 32.54GWh (41.45% share), BYD second at 16.47GWh
- CATL targets 500Wh/kg energy density for small-batch all-solid-state vehicle deployment in 2027
- NielsenIQ's 2026 global EV survey puts power battery weight in purchase decisions at a global average of 8.4%
- A widely cited claim about China's first solid-state battery standard was inaccurate; the verification-focused "0.5% rule" is the real substance, per Intelligent Living
On the radar
- Korea's government-industry 8.4 trillion won (~KRW 8.4조) investment push in sodium-ion and solid-state batteries, targeting 2030 commercialization, announced the week of September 22 with LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On -Ion Energy's 51Ah automotive-grade solid-state battery entered production per this week's SMM solid-state weekly
- Dainippon Ink shows conductive and thermal-conductive hybrid materials at the first High-Functionality Materials Expo from September 30 at Makuhari Messe
- A new perovskite thermal-insulation material for coating batteries and electronics was featured in C&EN this week — worth watching for thermal-management applications
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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