Chinese startup begins solid-state battery production

According to a media report, Qing Tao Energy Development Co. has started a solid-state battery production line in Kunshan, China. It is reported to have an annual capacity of 100 MWh. The company plans to ramp up this capacity to 700 MWh by 2020.

Considered to be the upgrade to the current Lithium-ion (Li-ion) technology, these batteries pack in a higher energy density of 400 Wh/kg compared to the Li-ion's 250-300 Wh/kg. These batteries are expected to allow electric vehicles to have a longer range than those currently offered in the market. Solid-state batteries are also claimed to be safer than Li-ion.

The startup has come from the Tsinghua University and has invested US$ 144 million into the battery production line. Automakers like Toyota, Fisker, Hyundai and BMW all have plans for this solid-state technology with production scheduled to start from 2030.

Source: Electrek