By zhanqun1 
In recent years, semi-solid batteries have become a hot topic in the energy storage sector due to their superior safety features. While their lab performance looks promising, how close are they to large-scale commercial use? As a practical player in the energy storage industry, Shanghai Huijue presents an in-depth look at the current status and future potential of semi-solid battery commercialization.
1. Technical Readiness: The Gap Between the Lab and Reality
(1) Impressive in the Lab
During the research phase, semi-solid batteries show three key strengths:
Outstanding Safety: With solid electrolytes, the risk of fire is greatly reduced. The batteries remain stable even under puncture and high-temperature tests.
Higher Energy Density: Some lab samples exceed 400 Wh/kg, far beyond traditional lithium batteries.
Long Cycle Life: Certain test results show more than 8,000 charge/discharge cycles.
(2) Mass-Produced Products Still Lag Behind
However, lab data is often based on ideal conditions. In reality, commercial production needs adjustment:
Energy Density Drops: Most commercial models are between 300–350 Wh/kg—still a gap from lab-level performance.
Consistency Issues: Interface challenges between the solid electrolyte and electrodes lead to cell performance variation.
Conclusion: Semi-solid batteries have stepped out of the lab, but their real-world performance still needs improvement.
2. Key Bottlenecks in Mass Production
(1) Difficulty Producing Solid Electrolytes at Scale
High Material Costs: Oxide-based electrolytes (e.g., LLZO) require complex processes, pushing costs up.
Low Yield Rates: Some companies report yields below 70% for solid electrolyte membranes, which affects overall quality.
(2) Manufacturing Process Still Developing
Interface Resistance: High contact resistance between solid electrolyte and electrodes limits fast charging capabilities.
Incompatible Equipment: Existing lithium battery production lines can’t be reused; new custom lines are needed.
(3) Incomplete Supply Chain
Key Materials Rely on Imports: Raw materials like lithium lanthanum zirconate (LLZO) lack sufficient domestic supply.
Immature Supporting Industries: Technologies like dry electrode coating and solid electrolyte equipment are still in early stages.
3. Industry Landscape: Who’s Leading the Commercial Push?
(1) Domestic Companies Moving Fast
Ganfeng Lithium: Launched 105Ah semi-solid battery in 2023, targeting the energy storage market.
WeLion New Energy: Working with NIO to develop a 360 Wh/kg semi-solid battery, aiming for mass production by 2025.
QingTao Energy: Focused on oxide electrolyte technology, with small-scale production lines already in place.
(2) Global Giants Enter the Race
QuantumScape (USA): Primarily focused on solid-state batteries, but semi-solid seen as a transition solution.
Toyota: Plans to launch vehicles with semi-solid batteries by 2025, with potential applications in energy storage.
Industry Outlook: 2025 will be a critical year for semi-solid battery mass production. Full commercialization, however, still takes time.
4. Shanghai Huijue’s Perspective: A Phased Road to Commercialization
As an energy storage system integrator, we believe the commercialization of semi-solid batteries should follow a phased strategy:
Short Term (1–3 Years): Focus on high-end niche markets (e.g., defense, specialized storage), where higher prices can support early production.
Mid Term (3–5 Years): Scale production to lower costs and gradually enter the mainstream C&I storage market.
Long Term (5–10 Years): If all-solid-state batteries achieve breakthroughs, semi-solid may evolve into a complementary technology for specific applications.
Key Recommendations:
Choose mature and stable electrolyte routes, such as oxide or polymer systems, to lower industrialization risks.
Strengthen collaboration with material and equipment providers to build a robust supply chain.
Conclusion: The Road to Commercialization Is Long, but Promising
Semi-solid batteries are at a crucial turning point—from the lab to the market. While they face major challenges in cost, process maturity, and supply chain development, their unmatched safety advantage is undeniable. With companies like Ganfeng and WeLion pushing forward, we expect semi-solid batteries to claim a solid position in high-end energy storage markets after 2025.
For C&I users, now is the time to stay informed. Once costs come down, it may be the right moment to deploy.
As an active player in this evolving field, Shanghai Huijue will continue to monitor technical progress and deliver the best energy storage solutions for our clients.