Superconductors, Solid-State Batteries and New Materials — 2026-10-23

Top developments

EVE Energy and Chery unveil solid-state and sodium-ion breakthroughs

On October 20, 2026, EVE Energy and Chery Automobile disclosed new progress on solid-state batteries, aiming for a 2027 consensus on commercialization. EVE Energy specifically unveiled new all-solid-state and sodium-ion batteries, with the solid-state technology targeting high-end applications such as brain-computer interfaces, highlighting the versatility of new materials beyond standard EV use.

LG Energy Solution and GM push for LMR mass production

General Motors and LG Energy Solution are moving to mass-produce next-generation Lithium Manganese-Rich (LMR) prismatic batteries in the United States. Their joint venture, Ultium Cells, plans to retrofit its Spring Hill, Tennessee, plant to manufacture these cells, which promise higher energy density and lower costs compared to existing low-cost battery options. This move underscores the industry's dual focus on both solid-state and advanced liquid-electrolyte chemistries for the near term.

Perovskite solar technology expands beyond rooftops

New developments in perovskite photovoltaics are enabling lightweight, flexible, and semi-transparent solar cells. These materials are being explored for integration into buildings, vehicles, and smart electronics, moving solar energy beyond traditional utility-scale and rooftop installations. This shift relies on new material formulations that maintain efficiency while offering unprecedented form factors.

Local view

In South Korea, the race to dominate next-generation battery markets is intensifying, with LG Energy Solution actively retrofitting US facilities for LMR production to maintain a competitive edge against Chinese rivals. Meanwhile, Chinese media and industry stakeholders are heavily promoting the "2027 consensus" for solid-state batteries, with EVE Energy and Chery showcasing tangible product roadmaps to validate China's leadership in this sector.

Context & numbers

The global market for EV next-generation solid-state batteries is projected to grow from $346.7 million in 2025 to $16.4 billion by 2035. Sulfide-based electrolytes currently hold a 43.5% share of this market, driven by demand for longer EV ranges and faster charging.

In the sodium-ion sector, China has written sodium batteries into its next five-year plan, targeting large-scale deployment by 2030, while sodium-ion technology has reached commercial scale in 2026, led by CATL.

On the radar

• 2027 Commercialization Target: Multiple industry leaders, including EVE Energy and Chery, have aligned on 2027 as the year for full-scale solid-state battery commercialization.
• Sodium-Ion Expansion: With sodium-ion batteries now commercially viable, watch for increased adoption in energy storage systems and lower-cost EV segments as manufacturers move from pilot lines to mass production.
• Perovskite Integration: Keep an eye on the commercialization of flexible perovskite cells for non-rooftop applications, such as vehicle integration and smart building facades.