Solid-state batteries are poised to be the next big leap in battery technology. They're lighter and safer, with greater energy density and faster charging capability. So why hasn't every automaker switched over? Companies are still working out the kinks and figuring out how to mass-produce solid-state batteries.
However, BYD is apparently making strides. BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li said recently that the company will make its first solid-state vehicle next year.
"Talking about solid-state batteries, BYD is in the leading position," Li told Carwow.es. "So to prove that, next year we will have one model, the first model, with this technology."
It wasn't clear whether she was referring to an actual retail launch or a demonstration vehicle. Given how quickly Chinese automakers—and BYD in particular—move to integrate new tech, it very well could be the former. Showing off a prototype and waiting years to put it into production doesn't seem to be the company's style.
Li didn't say which model might get such a battery, or exactly when it will launch. However, sources for CarNewsChina claim that BYD will launch its solid-state tech in its recently teased Yangwang flagship sedan. The monster sedan BYD showed off in camouflage last week is said to be massively luxurious, something with Rolls-Royce levels of opulence. Given that it's as long as a school bus and has a Phantom-like silhouette, I don't doubt the claim. That would be a fitting vehicle with which to launch solid-state tech, given its cost in these early days.
The latest and greatest tech has always been introduced in pricey flagship models, so if BYD doesn't use the new Yangwang sedan, expect it to still be in something expensive, like the Denza Z9 or BYD Great Tang.
BYD may have competition relatively quickly, though. Toyota plans to launch an EV with solid-state tech in 2027 or 2028. Honda says it'll have the same tech closer to 2030, and the same goes for Mercedes. Hyundai continues to work on it, too. Either way, American customers will likely have to wait for a non-Chinese automaker to bring solid-state batteries to market.
