CATL solid-state batteries reach 20 Ah cells, small output in 2027

The world's biggest EV battery maker says its all-solid-state cells have taken another step towards production. Answering investor questions on Tuesday, CATL said its sulfide-based solid-state batteries have entered 20 Ah trial production and that it still plans small-scale production in 2027, Electrek reports.

What CATL actually said

• The cells use a sulfide solid electrolyte, which conducts lithium ions well and is easy to deform, but keeping solid parts in stable contact is still a challenge.
• The development target is an energy density of 500 Wh/kg. That's a goal, not a figure for cells you can buy.
• Output will be limited at first, with mass production expected around 2030.

CATL has been cautious in public before. In June its chairman Robin Zeng said that, on a scale of one to nine, all-solid-state batteries had only reached level four. A 20 Ah cell is still a lab-to-pilot-line format; a car pack needs hundreds of much larger cells that have to survive years of fast charging and cold winters.

Solid-state vs today's batteries

Today's EV cells, whether LFP or NMC, use a liquid electrolyte. Solid-state batteries replace it with a solid one. The promise is more energy in the same weight, better resistance to fire and potentially faster charging. "Semi-solid" batteries, already sold in some Chinese cars, still contain some liquid, so they are not the same thing.

Everyone is aiming at 2027

CATL isn't alone. Electrek points out that Toyota aims to launch its first all-solid-state EV in 2027 or 2028, Samsung SDI plans mass production of its SolidStack cells in the second half of 2027, and BYD's FinDreams battery unit plans limited sulfide solid-state batches in 2027, scaling up by 2030.

What it means for drivers

Don't put off buying an EV for this. Even on the most optimistic schedules, the first solid-state cars will be low-volume and probably premium-priced, while LFP and sodium-ion packs keep getting cheaper and better. If you already own an EV, our battery care guide covers the habits that matter far more for range over the next decade.