South Korean giant Samsung has unveiled a solid-state battery technology for electric vehicles that could shake up the market. Promising exceptional range and ultra-fast charging times, this innovation marks a major step forward in the electrification of the vehicle fleet.
A disruptive technology for the automotive industry
At SNE Battery Day 2024 in Seoul, Samsung unveiled its revolutionary new battery for electric vehicles. This solid-state technology promises unprecedented performance in terms of range and charging speed. The manufacturer claims that its battery can offer up to 965 kilometers of range after just 9 minutes of charging, a feat that could remove one of the main obstacles to the mass adoption of electric vehicles.
Beyond these impressive performances, Samsung announces an estimated lifespan of 20 years for its batteries, which would represent a considerable leap forward compared to current technologies. This increased longevity could contribute to reducing the environmental impact of electric vehicles over their entire life cycle.
Promising technical characteristics
Samsung's new solid-state battery boasts several key technical advantages. First, it has an energy density of 500 Wh/kg, nearly double that of conventional lithium-ion batteries currently used in the automotive industry (270 Wh/kg on average). This increased density could potentially double the range of electric vehicles without increasing their weight or bulk.
In terms of safety, solid-state technology also represents a significant advancement. By replacing liquid components with solid materials, Samsung claims these batteries offer a higher level of safety, reducing the risk of fire or explosion in the event of an accident.
A gradual deployment on the high-end market
Despite its exceptional performance, Samsung's new battery faces a major challenge: its high production cost. Initially, this technology will therefore be reserved for high-end electric vehicles, where it can justify an additional cost due to its increased performance.
Manufacturers such as Renault or Stellantis (Peugeot, Citroรซn, DS) could be among the first to integrate these batteries into their premium models, thus offering ranges exceeding 900 kilometers. This strategy would allow the technology to be tested on the market before considering larger-scale production.
Long-term ambitions to democratize technology
Alongside its solid-state battery development, Samsung is working on other technologies to reduce production costs. The company is developing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries as well as more affordable cobalt-free models.
The Korean giant also announced that it is working on a method of producing dry electrodes that would significantly reduce manufacturing costs. The stated goal is ambitious: “By 2026, we aim not only to match the prices of popular and entry-level segments, but also to mass-produce products that can be quickly charged in 9 minutes,” said a Samsung spokesperson.
A potential impact on the entire French automobile market
If Samsung's promises come true, this new technology could have a considerable impact on the French automotive market. With a range close to 1,000 km and ultra-fast charging times, electric vehicles would become a credible alternative to thermal models for all uses, including long journeys.
This technological development could also accelerate the deployment of ultra-fast charging stations across France. Infrastructure operators such as Ionity or TotalEnergies could be encouraged to invest more in stations capable of delivering the power needed to fully exploit the potential of these new batteries.
The arrival of this technology on the French market could also stimulate research and development in the field of electric batteries. Companies such as Saft, a subsidiary of Total specializing in high-tech batteries, could intensify their efforts to remain competitive in the face of this major advance.
Although 2026 may seem far away, Samsung's announcement marks a crucial step in the evolution of electric vehicles. If the technology lives up to its promise, it could help overcome the last reservations of French consumers regarding electric mobility, thus accelerating the energy transition in the automotive sector. The coming years will be crucial in assessing Samsung's ability to realize these technological advances and make them accessible to as many people as possible.