LG Energy Solution: Solid-State Cars a Decade Away
LG Energy Solution says most manufacturers are struggling with large-format cells, while Europe builds its first solid-state gigafactory on the opposite assumption.
LG Energy Solution's Perspective
According to Robert Lee, North America president of LG Energy Solution, the main challenge in solid-state batteries is scale production, particularly for larger cell formats:
“The problem with solid state is large-scale production... Small formats reach good energy density, but if you’re making very large form factors, most companies are struggling.”
Lee predicts that solid-state technology will first appear in smartphones roughly a decade before it reaches electric vehicles.
Europe's Approach
In contrast, Europe is building its first solid-state gigafactory, with ProLogium breaking ground on a 12 GWh plant in Dunkirk and a Dutch startup securing public funding for its own factory. European carmakers are actively testing solid-state batteries, but mostly at prototype or small-scale production levels.
China's Progress
China appears to be leading in paper terms, with companies like BYD, CATL, Geely, and others targeting pilot production of solid-state cells in 2027 and wider deployment by the end of the decade.
LG's Strategy
LG Energy Solution is focusing on improving existing lithium-ion technologies. They are developing lithium manganese rich cells with General Motors to reduce nickel and cobalt usage, aiming for over 400 miles of range from 2028 at competitive costs. The company is also exploring other chemistries, including cylindrical cells and sodium-ion storage.
Implications for Europe
Given the loss of its own battery champion, Northvolt, Europe's path to regaining dominance in batteries may lie in refining existing lithium-ion technologies rather than investing heavily in solid-state at this stage.