Lecture Notes: Innovations in Solid-State Battery Manufacturing and Cost Reductions

Introduction

• Solid-state batteries could solve major issues in energy storage and EVs:
  • Safety
  • Charge capacity
  • Longevity
• Main challenge: High cost
• New manufacturing techniques and materials could significantly reduce costs

Current Market Context

• Decrease in battery prices due to a price war between China's top battery suppliers, CATL and BYD
• CATL plans a 50% price cut to undercut competitors by early 2024
• Goldman Sachs predicts a 50% price drop by 2026, potentially making EVs as affordable as internal combustion engine cars
• Price reductions will also affect:
  • Home batteries
  • Grid-scale energy storage
  • Consumer electronics

Innovative Manufacturing Techniques

1. 3D-Printing Battery Electrodes
   • Developed by California-based Sakuu
   • Uses Kavian platform for dry electrode manufacturing
   • Reduces:
     • Energy use
     • Materials
     • Factory space
   • Benefits of dry process:
     • No solvents, less water
     • Less factory space and labor required
     • More energy-efficient
   • Applicable to various battery chemistries (Nickel, Cobalt, Lithium, etc.)
   • Allows for custom battery designs and shapes
2. Industry Adoption
   • Collaboration with SK On and ELEQTRION to scale production
   • Other companies like Tesla and AM Batteries also exploring dry electrode techniques

Materials Innovation

1. Iron Trichloride Cathodes
   • Developed by Georgia Tech led by Hailong Chen
   • High voltage and energy density
   • Composition is cheaper and more abundant than traditional materials
   • Cost reduction potential: 50-60%
2. Composite Current Collectors
   • Reduce reliance on expensive copper foils
   • Use polymers with conductive additives
   • Safer and lighter than metal counterparts
   • Potential for 7.5% cost reduction overall

Future Considerations

• Challenges remain in scaling and commercializing these technologies
• Solid-state technologies are essential for further reducing costs
• Alternative cathode materials are crucial to counter potential lithium and copper shortages by 2035

Conclusion

• Continued innovation in manufacturing and materials is essential to lower costs and improve accessibility
• Practical, incremental advances can drive significant changes in the industry
• Environmental benefits through reduced carbon footprint

Further Discussions

• Engage with audience to share thoughts and continue discussions on battery pricing and innovations

Sponsor Note

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Call to Action

• Participate in comments and listen to the follow-up podcast for continued discussions.