CATL is stepping up its solid-state battery efforts, targeting a pilot production launch by 2027. A recently published patent (PCT/CN2025/086345) highlights the company’s focus on a novel cathode material and manufacturing technique aimed at improving the stability of sulfide electrolytes—long plagued by interfacial contact issues. CATL is betting on this breakthrough to bridge the gap between lab-scale prototypes and automotive-grade cells.

Dubbed internally as the Ningde Shidai All-Solid-State, the battery has reportedly reached an energy density of 500 Wh/kg. Currently sitting at technology readiness level 4—meaning validation in a lab setting—CATL aims to push it to level 7 or 8 by 2027. That would mark the point where system prototypes are tested in real-world environments or become fully qualified for pilot vehicle integration.

On the supply chain side, CATL has locked in a massive deal with Guangdong Jiayuan Technology. Signed in November 2025, the framework agreement reserves 626,000 tons of copper foil capacity from 2026 to 2028, valued at an estimated 66 billion yuan. The move secures a steady flow of anode current collector materials critical for both semi-solid and all-solid-state battery development.

Still, scaling up is no small feat. Moving from 20 Ah lab samples to 60 Ah automotive-grade cells presents serious engineering challenges. Sulfide-based solid-state stacks require sustained high compression to maintain stable interfacial contact, which often calls for rigid casing designs—potentially offsetting the weight benefits gained from higher energy density.

Cost remains a formidable barrier. Right now, sulfide solid-state cells are three to five times more expensive than conventional lithium-ion batteries. That’s why CATL expects early adoption to focus on niche applications like drones and robotics, where energy density matters more than price sensitivity.

Industry projections put all-solid-state battery shipments at around 13.5 GWh by 2028, compared to 160 GWh for semi-solid variants. With its latest patent filings and strategic supply partnerships, CATL is positioning itself to lead the charge in the emerging solid-state battery arena.