Finally a solution to EV range anxiety? Samsung is testing a battery that can run for 1000 km and charge in 9 minutes!

Range anxiety, the fear that an electric vehicle (EV) will run out of power before reaching its destination, has been a significant hurdle for EV adoption. But Samsung’s recent announcement may put those worries to rest. The tech giant is testing a solid-state battery that promises a driving range of about 1000 kilometres and can charge in just 9 minutes. Unveiled at the SNE Battery Day 2024 expo in Seoul, this breakthrough could transform the EV landscape.

The future is solid (state)

Samsung's new battery technology, based on solid-state principles, boasts impressive credentials. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte with a solid material. This change enhances safety, reduces weight, and increases energy density. Samsung's prototype has an energy density of 500 Wh/kg, nearly double that of current mainstream EV batteries which typically hover around 270 Wh/kg. Further, these batteries have a reported lifespan of 20 years.

“We built a pilot line last year to mass-produce all-solid-state batteries by 2027,” Samsung SDI told The Elec. The initial batches of these batteries have already been delivered to EV manufacturers for testing, and the feedback has been reportedly overwhelmingly positive.

Charging ahead of the competition

The standout feature of Samsung’s solid-state battery is its rapid charging capability. Charging from 10% to 80% in just 9 minutes is a game-changer. For comparison, many of today's EVs require anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to reach a similar charge level, depending on the battery and charging station used. Currently, in India, the Tata Nexon EV and MG ZS EV, two popular models, take about 60 minutes to charge from 0% to 80% using a fast charger.
However, Ola Electric is also testing new battery technology which promises improved range and charging times. As per reports, their new indigenous cells carry five times the energy compared to their imported counterparts from South Korea. Chairman Bhavish Aggarwal has noted that they are also experimenting on solid state batteries at the moment.

The high cost of innovation and road ahead

While the technology is promising, it’s not without its challenges. The initial high production costs mean that Samsung’s solid-state batteries will likely debut in the “super premium” EV segment. These luxury vehicles will benefit from the extended range and quick charging, setting a new standard for what consumers can expect from their EVs.
The quest for better batteries is a global race. Chinese manufacturers like CATL are also pushing the envelope with advanced lithium-ion batteries that offer quick charging and extended lifespans. CATL’s recent announcement of a battery with a 20-year lifespan aligns with Samsung's vision. The competition is fierce, but Samsung’s entry into the solid-state battery market could tip the scales.

Samsung’s solid-state battery represents a significant leap forward in battery technology. With a potential range of 1000 kilometres and the ability to charge in 9 minutes, it addresses two of the biggest concerns for EV owners: range anxiety and long charging times. While the initial high costs mean that it will be a while before this technology becomes mainstream, the future of EVs looks incredibly promising!