What are solid-state batteries?
The term "solid state" means the battery uses solid materials for both the separator and the medium, allowing electrons to move during charging and discharging. In comparison, most current batteries use a liquid electrolyte made from a flammable organic solvent. This liquid is absorbed by battery components such as the anode, cathode, and separator, which are sponge-like and contain no extra liquid. Unlike lead-acid starter batteries, solid-state batteries don’t have excess liquid; they only require enough electrolyte to keep the electrodes functioning.
Solid-state battery advantages:
They’ll cost less: The solid electrolyte in these batteries is more stable than the liquid electrolyte found in lithium-ion batteries. This increased stability lets manufacturers use less expensive materials instead of the precious metals often used in conventional lithium-ion designs. Additionally, solid-state cells need less protective equipment and don’t need cooling systems, lowering overall battery costs compared to traditional batteries.
They’re smaller: Because solid-state batteries use materials that are more energy-dense than those in lithium-ion batteries, they can store more power in a smaller area. Without the need for cooling systems or thick protective housings—often needed in standard lithium-ion designs—electric cars using solid-state batteries can be lighter and offer more cabin space. For instance, Toyota says its prototypes are no thicker than a small notebook. This higher energy density, combined with lower weight and cost, enables these batteries to suit larger vehicles like trucks and vans.
They offer a wider range and faster charging. Online claims based on prototypes suggest a range between 600 and 750+ miles. Charging from 0–80% may take 4.5-9 minutes. Charging to 100% can take about 5 to 10 minutes.
They’re safer: Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries lack flammable liquid electrolytes. This reduces the risk of fire and increases safety.
Real-world examples
Mercedes-Benz
In late August 2025, Mercedes-Benz completed a full journey between Stuttgart, Germany, and Malmö, Sweden, covering 1,205 kilometres, or approximately 749 miles, in a lightly modified EQS. The trip concluded with a remaining range of 137 kilometres (85 miles), demonstrating the strong potential of this technology to address range anxiety among EV owners.
(Source: EQS with solid-state battery covers 1,205 km.)
Donut Labs
Donut Labs made claims such as charging from 0-90% in a little over 5 minutes and a lifespan of 100,000 battery cycles. Facing online criticism over these claims, Donut Labs commissioned the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland to test and verify their statements under controlled research conditions. The research data was made publicly available and included fast-charge, high-temperature, and self-discharge performance testing.
(Source: Donut - third-party testing)
Looking ahead, you might wonder how new advances will impact existing electric cars:
Experts say that lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, used in electric cars, will continue to coexist alongside new solid-state batteries for some time. This will happen as the market changes and technology becomes cheaper. It will also take time for car makers to increase production and redesign vehicles to work with the new power packs.
It’s an exciting time to be an electric vehicle enthusiast.
I’d love to hear our community's thoughts on what solid-state battery changes will bring to the EV market. I enjoyed spending time researching this piece and looking at what has the potential to disrupt the market for the next 5 years at least, as the new battery goes into small production from next year and start becoming more and more available to us, the consumer.
