BYD is in “the leading position,” according to executive vice president Stella Li, with plans to introduce its first EV equipped with solid-state batteries in 2027.
When will BYD launch an EV with solid-state batteries?
We’ve been hearing it for over a decade now. Solid-state batteries, the “holy grail” of battery tech, are just around the corner.
By now, it’s become something of a joke: Toyota or another automaker claims another “breakthrough” promising ultra-long range and fast-charging capabilities.
According to the world’s leading EV manufacturer, solid-state batteries are advancing and will be used to power vehicles on the road as soon as 2027.
In an exclusive interview with Carwow.es (you can watch the video below) about the company’s expansion into Spain and the launch of its luxury Denza brand in Europe, BYD executive vice president Stella Li offered a behind-the-scenes look at what’s to come.
Denza Z9 GT (Source: Denza)
The Denza Z9 GT, the brand’s first vehicle to launch in Europe with its 5-minute “Flash Charging” technology, is now on sale.
BYD’s latest Blade Batteries 2.0 and Flash Charging tech enable vehicles to recharge from 10% to 70% in just 5 minutes. A full recharge, from 20% to 97%, takes only 9 minutes.
BYD is offering Denza buyers 6 months of free charging to build awareness as it expands into higher-end segments.
Denza Z Racing (Source: Denza)
While the new battery tech is already drawing buyers in, BYD is not wasting time advancing several types of next-gen EV batteries, including solid-state.
“You can name any battery technology, and I will guarantee you will find it in one corner of BYD R&D that we are studying, Li said.
Regarding solid-state batteries, “BYD is in the leading position,” Li added, in both commercialization and technology. According to Li, BYD will “prove that” with its first model equipped with the new battery tech due out in 2027. It will be BYD’s first EV to use solid-state batteries.
BYD Yangwang U8L and U7 (Source: Yangwang)
The battery R&D team is “very strong,” Li said, adding that they are studying not only the battery chemistry but also the manufacturing and equipment needed to mass-produce it.
Li didn’t offer specific details, but during a conference in April, BYD Group’s chief scientist, Lian Yubo, said all-solid-state EV batteries have reached “a critical stage,” warning there are still a few hurdles to clear before they move to commercialization.
BYD’s battery business, FinDreams, aims to begin producing sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries in limited batches in 2027, ramping up to mass production by 2030.
BYD executive vice president Stella Li interview (Source: Motor.es)
Sun Huajun, CTO of Shenzhen BYD Lithium Battery Co., said last year that sulfide electrolytes last longer and are more stable than traditional liquid lithium-ion batteries, meaning they are safer, charge faster, and offer a longer driving range.
The first vehicles to launch with solid-state EV batteries will likely be from BYD’s premium brands like Denza, Yangwang, and Feng Chang Bao, before it trickles down to higher-volume models.
Electrek’s Take
While BYD plans to introduce its first solid-state battery-powered EV next year, several automakers and other companies have revealed similar timelines.
China’s Geely, Changan Auto, and CATL are targeting 2027, while Toyota, Stellantis, and Mercedes-Benz are also aiming to launch solid-state batteries next year.
Although the new battery tech will begin rolling out as soon as 2027, commercialization is still not expected until closer to 2029 or 2030.
Meanwhile, a few are already testing it out in the real world. Last fall, Mercedes-Benz drove a modified EQS over 745 miles (1,200 km) using solid-state battery cells from Factorial Energy.
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