In the context of the increasing maturity of new energy vehicle technology, breakthroughs in battery technology have become the core driving force for industry innovation. CATL, as the world's leading battery company, has advanced the research and development of all-solid-state batteries to new heights. China Exportsemi will deeply analyze CATL's latest progress in the field of all-solid-state batteries, including key technology paths, R&D team size, industry impact and future development direction.
Sulfide routes and energy density increases: the heart of technological breakthroughs
CATL has chosen the sulfide technology route in the research and development of all-solid-state batteries, and has now entered the trial production stage of 20Ah samples. This R&D path has high ionic conductivity and good mechanical properties, and is considered suitable for large-scale applications. In terms of energy density, CATL's all-solid-state battery target is 500 Wh/kg, which is 40% higher than the current mainstream lithium battery, bringing a major breakthrough in improving the range of electric vehicles.
Figure: CATL's solid-state batteries, which are expected to start small-batch production in 2027
This progress not only demonstrates CATL's in-depth exploration of key materials and technology routes, but also highlights its technological accumulation in high-energy-density materials and interface design. The 500 Wh/kg target, if achieved in mass production, will set a new benchmark for energy density in the industry, promoting the industry to enter a new phase of high endurance and lightweight.
Strong R&D strength: a team of 1,000 people is advancing at full speed
CATL has invested more than 1,000 people in the research and development of all-solid-state batteries, which is the largest in the world. Such a large team configuration not only ensures the rapid iteration of technology, but also enhances the research capabilities in materials, processes, interface design and other aspects, and provides sufficient resource support for tackling technical difficulties.
The expansion of the team also means that CATL has accelerated the pace of moving from the experimental stage to the industrialization of all-solid-state batteries. The team is focused on overcoming the current challenges of all-solid-state batteries in terms of charging speed and cycle life to accelerate their commercialization process. With the further expansion of the team size in the future, CATL is expected to continue to maintain its leading position in terms of R&D depth and breadth.
Industry impact: Leading the battery revolution and energy transition
CATL's technological progress in all-solid-state batteries has a profound impact on new energy vehicles and the global energy transition. All-solid-state batteries are known for their higher safety and higher energy density, and are regarded as the "ultimate form" of future battery technology. CATL's breakthrough will drive the industry into a new technological trajectory and accelerate the transformation of the battery field from traditional liquid electrolytes to all-solid-state.
This technological progress has also injected new vitality into the global new energy vehicle market, especially in the field of electric vehicles with higher energy density and safety requirements, and the application of all-solid-state batteries will reduce safety hazards and improve vehicle performance. At the same time, this breakthrough will provide technical support for the large-scale popularization of new energy vehicles and promote the transformation of global energy to sustainable development.
Future plan: 2027 target for small batch production
CATL plans to achieve level 7-8 technology maturity for all-solid-state batteries by 2027 and start low-volume production. If this goal is achieved, CATL will further consolidate its market advantage in the field of all-solid-state batteries and pave the way for large-scale commercial production. Still, there are many challenges to achieving mass production, including cost control, material acquisition, and production process stability.
In order to achieve the goal of low-volume production by 2027, CATL expects to increase investment in production technology and manufacturing equipment to optimize cost-effectiveness and increase large-scale production capacity. The cooperation with major car companies around the world will also promote the market application of all-solid-state batteries and provide a new core driving force for new energy vehicles.
Conclusion: Industry pioneer, technological innovator
CATL has demonstrated its technological innovation and strategic layout capabilities as an industry leader in the research and development of all-solid-state batteries. With its comprehensive investment in materials, processes and technology teams, the commercial prospects of all-solid-state batteries are becoming clearer, and large-scale applications are expected to be achieved in the next few years.
Although all-solid-state batteries still need to overcome problems in technical fields such as cycle life and charging efficiency, CATL's progress has undoubtedly brought new opportunities to the new energy vehicle industry in China and even the world. The success of solid-state batteries will further enhance the technological voice of Chinese companies in the global new energy market and accelerate the transformation of the energy structure to a clean and sustainable direction. With its leading R&D strength and profound technology accumulation, CATL is expected to occupy a place in the global battery technology competition.
