StoreDot announced that solid state batteries are still at least 10 years away from mass production and that global automotive manufacturers should be considering interim technologies in the medium term, such as semi-solid batteries, according to the company's news release.

Solid-state batteries promise cost-effective charging batteries, with high energy densities, according to StoreDot. However, they still face challenges before they can be manufactured at scale.

A solid-state battery uses solid electrodes instead of the liquid or polymer gel electrolytes found in current technologies such as lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries.

“It's crucial that leading battery developers like StoreDot give global automotive manufacturers a realistic and hype-free roadmap for the introduction of extreme fast-charging battery technologies," said Dr. Doron Myersdorf, StoreDot CEO. "Right now, despite some of the bullish claims by our rivals, all-solid-state batteries are still at least 10 years away. They are certainly no silver bullet for any vehicle maker currently developing fast charging electric vehicle architectures."

StoreDot’s roadmap includes a ramp up to solid state through semi solid-state technology. The maker of “extreme fast charging (XFC)” EV batteries is planning by 2024 to have a battery that charges 100 miles in five minutes (100in5) and full solid-state battery that charges 100 miles in two minutes (100in2) by 2032.

“We believe a more practical step is the introduction of semi-solid state batteries which we are targeting for mass production by 2028," Myersdorf said. "These will be advanced, safe, high performing cells that can achieve 100 miles of charge in just three minutes. They have the additional benefit of requiring a simpler and less challenging manufacturing process than all-solid-state technologies.”

Development of solid-state battery technologies continue in other arenas, including a move from startup Adden Energy Inc. Adden Energy built a prototype solid state battery that is capable of a three-minute charge and a 10,000 cycle lifetime, according to a report from Cycling Industry News. Harvard’s Office of Technology Development granted a license to Adden Energy.

Samsung outlined the reasons for using a solid-state battery, citing it has higher energy density than a Li-ion battery that uses liquid electrolyte solution and it can increase energy density per unit area since only a small number of batteries are needed.

In March, independent EV OEM Mullen Automotive, Inc. announced an update on its solid-state polymer battery technology and cited the potential for a 150-kWh battery pack that would deliver over 200 miles of range using DC fast charging.

Right now, however, automakers and battery producers are injecting billions of dollars into Li-ion production plants. Meanwhile, incremental advances to li-on batteries have increased range and performance — which may be hindering solid-state technology getting to market.