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Notice for the 2024 National Lead-Acid Battery Standardization Technical Committee Annual Meeting
The Shenyang Battery Research Institute has officially launched its WeChat public account.
More updates include:
- Challenges in achieving mass production of solid-state batteries, highlighted by Miao Wei, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
- Solid-state batteries face three main challenges: technology, processes, and costs.
Industry Updates
Recently, Miao Wei, former Minister of Industry and Information Technology, spoke at the Second China All-Solid-State Battery Innovation Development Summit Forum, emphasizing that the industrialization of solid-state batteries must overcome technical, processing, and cost-related challenges. He predicts that mass production of solid-state batteries may not occur until around 2027.
New energy vehicles are seen as key to advancing China’s auto industry, with power batteries being the most critical component. Solid-state batteries are positioned as a key technological innovation within this sector, crucial for the high-quality development of China’s new energy vehicle industry.
Despite their safety and energy density advantages, solid-state batteries still face significant industrialization hurdles. Miao Wei pointed out that many companies claiming to have mass-produced solid-state batteries are actually producing semi-solid batteries, which are fundamentally different from true solid-state batteries. He stressed that the maturity of solid-state battery technology and production processes, alongside high costs, are the primary barriers to achieving large-scale production.
Battery Swapping: A New Solution to Charging Issues
Miao Wei also discussed the battery swapping model as a feasible solution to the challenges of slow charging for new energy vehicles. Battery swapping can help alleviate charging difficulties, especially in scenarios such as highways, public transportation, and long-haul trucks.
This model not only addresses charging issues but also fosters innovation in business models, such as separating vehicle ownership from battery ownership, thus reducing purchase costs and enhancing vehicle resale values.
Companies like NIO and BAIC are exploring this field, with CATL planning to establish a broad battery swapping network to promote the healthy development of the new energy vehicle market.
Battery Recycling: A Crucial Social Responsibility
In 2024, China’s cumulative sales of new energy vehicles reached 38.32 million, with a total installed capacity of power batteries amounting to 1,652 GWh. The comprehensive utilization of discarded batteries reached approximately 301,000 tons, accounting for about 10% of the new resource volume.
The volume of retired power batteries is expected to rise annually, with estimates of 377,000 tons and 1,060,000 tons of retired batteries in 2025 and 2030, respectively. While the current retirement of power batteries has not led to significant social issues, the majority of retired batteries are recycled effectively, with significant concerns about informal recycling practices.
Miao Wei urged the establishment of a robust battery recycling system to ensure proper handling of waste batteries and called for the inclusion of electric bicycles and motorcycles in the recycling framework. Increased investment and support for critical technology development in recycling are also necessary.
Investment in the New Energy Sector
On March 17, a significant project worth 2 billion yuan for the construction of a vanadium flow battery industry was launched in Fuxin, Liaoning.
The project represents a major investment in the new energy sector and is expected to significantly enhance the local economy by creating jobs and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
Technological Innovations
Recent developments in lithium battery technology have also generated attention. The demand for lithium iron phosphate batteries has surged, with significant agreements signed by major automakers like Ford and Renault for long-term supply commitments.
As the lithium battery market continues to evolve, it is essential for manufacturers to enhance their production capabilities, innovate their product lines, and respond effectively to growing global demand.
Conclusion
The developments in solid-state batteries, battery swapping models, and the recycling of power batteries highlight the rapid transformation within China’s energy sector. Collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders, coupled with government support, will be vital for overcoming existing challenges and achieving sustainable growth.
