Hyundai is to launch an all-solid-state EV battery production line, but who's leading?

【PCauto】It has been reported that Hyundai is poised to inaugurate a production line dedicated to all-solid-state EV batteries next month, with the formal opening ceremony scheduled to occur at their next-generation battery research center in Uiwang, South Korea.

The new production line is intended to serve as a pilot for the all-solid-state "Dream" EV battery. In 2023, Hyundai unveiled ambitious plans to establish itself as a frontrunner in the electric vehicle battery sector, earmarking over $9 billion for investments in battery technologies over the next decade, including allocations for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) lithium-ion batteries.

The all-solid-state "Dream" EV battery is anticipated to deliver enhanced range, expedited charging capabilities, elevated energy density, and superior safety characteristics. Hyundai aims to unveil a prototype vehicle featuring the all-solid-state "Dream" EV battery by the end of this year, with a goal of achieving mass production of such innovative battery technology by 2030.

Prior to Hyundai's announcement regarding the "Dream" EV battery, Honda launched its own production line for all-solid-state EV batteries in November 2024. However, there has been a notable lack of subsequent developments, and this initiative failed to generate significant excitement within the industry.

Challenges pertaining to the stability and manufacturing processes associated with all-solid-state batteries continue to hinder their mass production. This issue is not confined to Hyundai and Honda, but also extends to industry competitors such as BYD, Toyota, and battery manufacturers like CATL, who all encounter similar obstacles in the pursuit of viable mass production of all-solid-state batteries.

CATL has acknowledged that if they were to assess the maturity of their technology and manufacturing capabilities on a scale of 1 to 9, they would only attain a score of 4. Their objective is to elevate the score to between 7 and 8 by 2027, which would indicate a transition to small-scale production.

While Hyundai is set to announce its all-solid-state EV battery production line next month, expectations suggest that the outcome will likely mirror that of Honda's venture, primarily serving as a demonstration of capability rather than a definitive breakthrough. Presently, CATL's comments encapsulate the industry's overall trajectory concerning all-solid-state battery development, emphasizing that no single entity currently possesses a clear advantage in this emerging technology.