LG Energy Solution Shares Concerns Over Solid-State Battery Mass Production
LG Energy Solution's North America president, Robert Lee, expressed concerns over the mass production of solid-state batteries, stating that most companies are struggling to achieve large-scale production.
LG Energy Solution, a Korean battery giant, has shared its concerns over the mass production of solid-state batteries. The company's North America president, Robert Lee, stated that "most companies are struggling" to achieve large-scale production of solid-state batteries.
LG Energy Solution believes that solid-state batteries will likely be commercialized at a larger scale in non-automotive applications before widespread electric vehicle adoption. This is because solid-state cells can unlock substantially more driving range, improve the cells' thermal profiles to eliminate fire risks, and charge at blistering speeds.
However, LGES echoed the concerns around its mass manufacturing, saying progress has yet to happen on that front. "The problem with solid state is large-scale production," Robert Lee said. "It has very good energy density, so if you're making a small form factor, you should be able to get there. If you’re making very large form factors, most companies are struggling," he added.
The company is working with General Motors to develop lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) batteries. These cells will use far less nickel and cobalt, which are expensive and environmentally damaging to mine, while relying more heavily on manganese, which can be processed in the U.S. GM has said LMR batteries will power its full-size trucks and SUVs from 2028 onward, delivering more than 400 miles of range while costing roughly the same as lower-cost LFP batteries.
LGES is also working on other next-generation technologies, including more advanced lithium-ion batteries and sodium-ion cells. The company is gearing up to produce its new 46-series lithium-ion cells for EVs at its upcoming gigafactory in Arizona. LGES said these larger-format cells are better suited to next-generation EVs with structural battery packs, while further advancements could eventually enable 10-minute charging times and improve pack safety.
The company is also preparing a pilot program for sodium-ion batteries for energy storage systems. Chinese battery giant CATL has already raced ahead with the commercialization of sodium-ion batteries, but the U.S. is beginning to catch up, with General Motors also announcing plans to deploy sodium-ion ESS batteries by the end of the decade.
Solid-State Battery Development Timeline
| Company | Application | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| LG Energy Solution | Non-automotive applications | Before widespread electric vehicle adoption |
| BYD, CATL, Geely | Pilot programs | 2027 |
| General Motors | Full-size trucks and SUVs | 2028 |
| LG Energy Solution | Sodium-ion batteries for energy storage systems | Pilot program (no specific date) |
Next-Generation Battery Technologies
LG Energy Solution is working on several next-generation battery technologies, including lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) batteries, sodium-ion cells, and more advanced lithium-ion batteries. The company is gearing up to produce its new 46-series lithium-ion cells for EVs at its upcoming gigafactory in Arizona. LGES said these larger-format cells are better suited to next-generation EVs with structural battery packs, while further advancements could eventually enable 10-minute charging times and improve pack safety.
The company is also preparing a pilot program for sodium-ion batteries for energy storage systems. Chinese battery giant CATL has already raced ahead with the commercialization of sodium-ion batteries, but the U.S. is beginning to catch up, with General Motors also announcing plans to deploy sodium-ion ESS batteries by the end of the decade.
LG Energy Solution is also working with General Motors to develop lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) batteries. These cells will use far less nickel and cobalt, which are expensive and environmentally damaging to mine, while relying more heavily on manganese, which can be processed in the U.S. GM has said LMR batteries will power its full-size trucks and SUVs from 2028 onward, delivering more than 400 miles of range while costing roughly the same as lower-cost LFP batteries.
The company's North America president, Robert Lee, expressed concerns over the mass production of solid-state batteries, stating that "most companies are struggling" to achieve large-scale production.
Source: InsideEVs