BYD’s chief scientist, Lian Yubo, has stated that solid-state batteries are now at a “critical breakthrough stage,” but noted that commercialization remains constrained by several technical and industrial challenges. During a recent automotive policy seminar in China, Lian highlighted that moving from pilot-line output to large-scale vehicle deployment still faces hurdles in engineering complexity, cost control, and production yield.
At the materials level, he identified solid–solid interface stability and suppression of lithium dendrites as key bottlenecks. To address these issues, Lian proposed a system-level development framework that begins with user demand and links it to cell design. He emphasized the importance of defining battery requirements—such as range, lifecycle, charging performance, environmental adaptability, and safety—and translating them into measurable targets for thermal management, mechanical integrity, and electrochemical performance. This full-chain logic, he argued, must involve automakers directly in specifying battery-cell parameters rather than focusing exclusively on material improvements.
Lian also pointed out that solid-state technology is not the only path forward. He expects liquid lithium-ion batteries to continue advancing in energy density and adaptability, and foresees multiple battery chemistries coexisting across different vehicle segments based on cost and performance needs. BYD’s current parallel strategy includes development of sulfide-based solid-state batteries for small-batch production around 2027 and sodium-ion batteries, which reportedly achieve up to 10,000 charge cycles for long-life, lower-cost applications. At the same time, the company is refining its Blade Battery 2.0 lithium iron phosphate technology, which delivers about 210 Wh/kg and fast charging from 10 percent to 70 percent in approximately five minutes.
BYD aims to begin pilot production of its sulfide-based solid-state cells in 2027, with demonstration vehicles rolling out in the same period. Scaling beyond pilot lines is projected to extend into the next decade, pending advances in manufacturing maturity and cost reduction. Industry forums in 2026 continue to stress that breakthroughs in materials must be accompanied by progress in manufacturing processes, equipment, and system integration. Coordinated efforts among automakers, battery suppliers, and research institutions are underway to align these elements and support large-scale commercialization of solid-state technology.
Source: CarNewsChina
