Superconductors, Solid-State Batteries and New Materials — 2026-09-18
This week, the solid-state battery race intensified with Samsung SDI confirming a 2027 mass production target and BYD announcing a 2026 vehicle launch with 1200km+ range. Simultaneously, Hithium unveiled a 20,000-cycle sodium-ion cell, signaling a shift toward long-duration stationary storage. While perovskite efficiency records remain stable at ~34.85% for tandems, the industry focus has pivoted to manufacturing repeatability and supply chain independence.
Superconductors, Solid-State Batteries and New Materials — 2026-09-18
Top developments
Samsung SDI Confirms 2027 All-Solid-State Battery Mass Production
Samsung SDI is advancing its all-solid-state battery (ASB) development with a confirmed target for mass production in 2027 at its Ulsan plant. The batteries will utilize a sulfide-based solid electrolyte, aiming to secure a technological lead in the next-generation EV market. This timeline aligns with broader industry expectations for 2027 as a pivotal year for ASB commercialization, though competitors like CATL remain skeptical about large-scale deployment before 2030.
BYD Announces 2026 Launch of 1200km+ Range Solid-State EV
BYD is set to launch its first vehicle equipped with solid-state battery technology in Q4 2026, initially for the high-end Denza brand. The cells are reported to achieve an energy density of 360–400 Wh/kg and a CLTC range exceeding 1,200 km, supported by a 2 GWh pilot line already operational in Shenzhen Pingshan. This move positions BYD to potentially outpace Toyota and other Japanese manufacturers who have targeted 2027–2028 for broader adoption.
Hithium Unveils 20,000-Cycle Sodium-Ion Cell for Grid Storage
On September 16, 2026, energy storage firm Hithium launched its next-generation integrated sodium-ion energy storage solution, featuring the N785Ah cell. The new cell design promises a 20,000-cycle lifespan and a 30-year expected operational lifetime, targeting long-duration stationary storage applications. This release underscores the growing viability of sodium-ion chemistry as a cost-effective alternative to lithium for grid-scale applications, moving beyond pilot lines to industrialization.
Perovskite Manufacturing Focus Shifts from Efficiency to Repeatability
While certified perovskite-silicon tandem records stand at 34.85% (LONGi), recent research highlights that the next major hurdle is not efficiency but repeatable manufacturing. New studies using in-situ spectroscopy are monitoring lead-free tin-perovskite solar films in real-time to address stability and production consistency issues. This shift indicates that commercial viability now depends on scaling up proven lab efficiencies rather than chasing marginal record improvements.
Local view
In South Korea, media outlets are closely tracking the "dream battery" competition, with Seoul Shinmun noting that BYD’s 2026 launch has accelerated the race, while Samsung SDI aims for mass production in the second half of 2027. Maeil Business reports that institutional investors are aggressively buying Samsung SDI shares, betting on the company’s ability to secure the humanoid robot market with solid-state technology. Meanwhile, Sina News in China highlights CATL’s Chief Manufacturing Officer Ni Jun’s statement that true mass production of all-solid-state batteries is still five years away, tempering hype around immediate commercialization.
In Japan, JBpress analyzes Toyota and Idemitsu’s joint efforts to scale up sulfide electrolyte production, noting that while pilot plants are underway, the "real battle" lies in material supply chain robustness rather than just cell performance.
Context & numbers
- Perovskite Records: The NREL-certified world record for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells remains 34.85% (LONGi), surpassing the single-junction theoretical limit.
- Sodium-Ion Economics: Sodium-ion batteries are projected to reach costs of $60/kWh, offering a significant economic advantage over lithium-ion for stationary storage.
- Battery Brand Power: A NielsenIQ report cited by Chinese media indicates that Chinese battery brands have overtaken Japanese rivals in consumer awareness, with CATL reaching 78% overseas recognition and BYD hitting 84% domestically.
- Solid-State Timelines: Samsung SDI targets 2027 for mass production; BYD targets late 2026 for vehicle launch; CATL executives suggest large-scale application may not occur before 2030.
On the radar
- Toyota/Idemitsu Pilot Plant: Construction of Idemitsu’s large-scale solid electrolyte pilot manufacturing facility in Chiba began in January 2026; completion is expected in 2027, marking a critical step for Toyota’s ASB roadmap.
- Highpower Technology Patents: On September 17, Highpower Technology announced multiple patents granted for polymer, oxide, and sulfide solid-state electrolytes, indicating diversified R&D strategies among mid-tier suppliers.
- Easpring Validation: Easpring Technology reported on September 16 that its sulfide electrolyte has entered small-scale test validation with leading clients, a key step before mass supply agreements.
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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