BYD to launch first EV with solid-state battery in 2027, targets high-end models

BYD's Solid-State Battery Timeline

BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li confirmed in an interview that BYD is in a leading position for solid-state battery commercialization. The company intends to release its first vehicle equipped with a solid-state battery in 2027.

This aligns with earlier statements from Sun Huajun, CTO of BYD's battery subsidiary FinDreams, who indicated a demonstration and installation of solid-state batteries in 2027, followed by mass production around 2030.

Application and Coexistence with Lithium-Ion

BYD Chief Scientist Lian Yubo stated that solid-state batteries will primarily be used in high-end models. This strategy allows them to complement existing lithium iron phosphate batteries, serving vehicles across different price points.

The introduction of solid-state batteries will not phase out BYD's traditional lithium batteries, but rather expand the company's offerings for various market segments.

Advantages of Solid-State Technology

Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte found in lithium-ion batteries with a solid material, such as sulfides in BYD's case. This change results in higher energy density, potentially leading to smaller, lighter batteries and extended vehicle range.

Additionally, solid-state batteries are considered safer due to their reduced propensity for fire and better performance in extreme temperatures, addressing limitations of current lithium-ion technology.

Cost Implications

The current cost of solid-state battery technology is a factor in its initial deployment. Due to this, BYD expects to integrate these batteries first into more expensive models, such as a future version of its Denza Z.