The latest developments moving solid-state batteries closer to commercial reality

Solid-state batteries continue to be widely regarded as a critical next step in energy storage for electric vehicles and transport applications, promising higher energy density, improved safety and faster charging compared with today’s lithium-ion technology

While large-scale commercialisation remains challenging, a series of recent announcements from Europe, the UK and global OEMs indicate tangible progress across materials development, pilot manufacturing and early vehicle deployment.

MAJOR MILESTONES

A major European milestone was announced in January 2026 with the launch of Argylium, a new company formed by Syensqo and Axens to accelerate the industrialisation of advanced solid-state battery materials. Based on Syensqo’s pilot-scale work, Argylium will focus on scaling next-generation sulfide solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries (ASSB), strengthening Europe’s position in a field currently dominated by Asian manufacturers.

The new venture builds on Syensqo’s successful solid-state battery pilot line in La Rochelle and more than a decade of research conducted at its Aubervilliers laboratory near Paris. Axens brings industrial process design and large-scale manufacturing expertise, while IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) contributes specialist knowledge in inorganic chemistry and divided materials from its Lyon research centre.

“The creation of Argylium represents an important step forward in bringing solid-state battery materials to market readiness,” says Thomas Canova, head of R&I at Syensqo. “By joining forces with Axens and IFPEN, we are enhancing the chances of successfully scaling up Syensqo’s pilot innovations and contributing to advance Europe’s electrification and energy storage ambitions.”

Axens frames the partnership as part of a broader industrial strategy. Fabrice Bertoncini, Axens Group’s executive vice president in new development and transformation, says: “With over 50 years experience in scaling up technologies to the commercial levels, in partnership with IFPEN and aligned with our strategy to develop industrial assets in Europe for the production of advanced battery materials for cathodes (CAM) and recycling of Black Mass, our association with Syensqo aims to lay the groundwork and build a robust ecosystem for the commercialization of solid electrolytes by 2030.”

CELL-LEVEL PROGRESS

Alongside materials development, progress is also being made at the cell level. UK-based solid-state battery developer Ilika has begun shipping 10Ah solid-state battery prototypes to automotive and industrial customers, representing a five-fold increase in capacity compared with its earlier 2Ah P1 cells delivered in mid-2024. The new Goliath cells are produced on an automated pilot line completed in October 2025 and incorporate a proprietary oxide coating designed to improve safety.

According to analysis by automotive consultancy Balance Batteries, Ilika’s technology could reduce EV battery pack weight by 20% and cut manufacturing costs by approximately £2,500 per vehicle. Early manufacturing results from the pilot line are encouraging, with a 93% yield rate achieved in the initial production batch.

“We are excited that our new automated pilot line is now producing high-quality, consistent battery prototypes for our partners to evaluate,” says Graeme Purdy, CEO of Ilika. “This achievement is a significant milestone toward bringing our technology to market, further opening the window for licensing discussions with manufacturers.”

Ilika has also produced early samples of larger 50Ah P2 cells for internal testing, with customer shipments expected to follow once feedback from the current prototypes is received during 2026. Industry interest appears strong, with a senior battery development executive at a major UK automotive supplier stating: “Here in the UK and more broadly in Europe, there is significant interest in developing technical solutions that are differentiated from the offerings available from established cell manufacturers,” adds Purdy. “We look forward to evaluating these 10Ah prototypes from Ilika, which demonstrate the company’s sustained capability to improve and mature their product for commercial roll-out.”

REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS

Beyond Europe, solid-state batteries are beginning to appear in real-world transport applications. At CES 2026, Donut Lab revealed an all-solid-state battery designed for EVs, claiming an energy density of 400Wh/kg, the ability to recharge to full capacity in five minutes, and minimal capacity fade over a tested lifetime of 100,000 cycles across temperatures ranging from –30°C to above 100°C.

The first production application will be in Verge Motorcycles’ TS Pro and TS Ultra models, which are scheduled to reach customers in the first quarter of 2026. Donut Lab CEO Marko Lehtimäki says: “Our answer on solid-state batteries being ready for use in OEM production vehicles is now, today, not later. Donut Lab has engineered a new high performance solid-state Donut Battery that can be scaled to major production volumes and seen now in real world use in the Verge Motorcycles bikes out on the road in Q1.”

While all-solid-state batteries remain rare in production vehicles, semi-solid-state technologies are already entering the market, particularly in China. Manufacturers including Nio, SAIC-owned IM Motors, MG Motor and Dongfeng are deploying batteries with gel-like electrolytes that bridge the gap between conventional lithium-ion and fully solid-state designs. These systems offer higher energy density and faster charging, albeit without the full safety and durability benefits of true solid electrolytes.

Western OEMs are also advancing pilot and demonstration programmes. Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz are testing semi-solid-state cells supplied by Factorial Energy, while BMW has begun evaluating all-solid-state prismatic cells from Solid Power. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Volkswagen Group and Hyundai-Kia all maintain active solid-state development programs, with most targeting limited production toward the end of the decade.

FROM LAB TO ROAD

Despite the growing momentum, large-scale deployment will take time. BloombergNEF projects that solid-state batteries will account for around 10% of global EV and stationary storage demand by 2035, with early adoption concentrated in premium or performance-focused vehicles. Nevertheless, recent developments - from European electrolyte scale-up and UK pilot manufacturing to motorcycles using all-solid-state packs - suggest that solid-state batteries are steadily transitioning from laboratory promise to transport-ready technology.