CATL chief: solid-state batteries at ‘level 4 of 9,’ no leap until 2030

Robin Zeng Yuqun, founder and chairman of CATL, the world's largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer, stated this week that solid-state batteries are currently at "level four" of a nine-step readiness scale. Speaking at the "Summer Davos" forum in China, Zeng indicated that a significant advancement or inflection point for solid-state battery technology is not anticipated before 2030. He further cautioned that the commercial viability of this technology has not yet been definitively established. CATL, a key supplier to numerous automotive manufacturers, is closely watched for its progress in next-generation battery technologies. The company's assessment suggests that widespread adoption and practical application of solid-state batteries will require substantial further development and investment over the next several years. This projection contrasts with some more optimistic timelines previously discussed within the industry, highlighting the significant technical and manufacturing challenges that remain.