Hyundai Announced Plans for Solid-State Battery Development
The automaker joined a global push to advance EV battery technology by targeting non-flammable solid materials.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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At the HMG Tech Talent Forum held on September 17-18, 2026, Hyundai revealed its strategy to develop all-solid-state batteries for its electric vehicles. This development aims to replace liquid electrolytes with solid materials to improve heat resistance and durability.
Why it matters
Solid-state batteries reduce fire risks while significantly boosting energy density, which allows for longer driving ranges per charge. Hyundai plans to utilize an internalization strategy to design these cell specifications in-house.
All-solid-state batteries can extend driving range to over 1,000 km per charge compared to 500-600 km for current lithium-ion technology. Industry experts currently rank this technology at stage four of a nine-stage maturity scale.
The players
Hyundai
Hyundai is a global automotive manufacturer based in South Korea that is currently shifting its internal strategy to focus on proprietary battery cell design.
BYD
BYD is a major Chinese automaker and battery manufacturer that is currently preparing to transition to trial production of solid-state vehicle batteries.
Geely Auto Group
Geely Auto Group is a multinational automotive company based in China that is working toward completing its own in-house battery development by the end of 2026.
CATL
CATL is a global leader in battery manufacturing that provides insights into the technological maturity levels of solid-state power systems.
Toyota
Toyota is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer that is currently researching all-solid-state battery applications through external collaborations.
The details
By replacing liquid electrolytes, these batteries aim to provide superior safety profiles and higher performance. While manufacturing costs are currently projected to be triple those of existing battery types, automakers are racing to reach mass production by 2027 and 2028.
Timeline
September 17-18, 2026: Hyundai held the HMG Tech Talent Forum in San Jose, California.
End of 2026: Geely Auto Group aims to complete its internal development of these batteries.
First quarter of 2027: BYD plans to begin trial production of vehicles equipped with the technology.
2028: BYD targets the start of mass production for the battery units.
Roadmap
This transition to solid-state energy storage mirrors the industry's historical pivot from lead-acid to lithium-ion batteries. Automakers are now positioning themselves to lead the next major cycle of electrification by moving from outsourced commodity parts to proprietary, high-density cell architectures.
Drivers should expect high-performance electric vehicles with significantly longer ranges to reach the market within the next five years. While initial adoption may come at a premium price due to current manufacturing cost projections, the technology promises increased safety and durability.
The takeaway
The move toward solid-state batteries signals that the automotive industry is prioritizing range and safety as the next major battlegrounds for EV market share. Consumers should monitor these developments as they indicate a coming shift in the capabilities of long-range electric transport.
Further reading
For more on the industry's pivot toward advanced power storage, visit the Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 조선일보.
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