CATL targets small-batch production of all-solid-state batteries in 2027, with materials and equipment first to undergo validation
CATL expects it may achieve small-batch production of all-solid-state batteries in 2027. Southwest Securities believes the industry is still in the validation stage, with opportunities in materials and equipment emerging before battery production scales up.
Original source：财联社First published on Unhidea：Original source date：
Key takeaway
The window for small-batch production of all-solid-state batteries is becoming clearer, but Southwest Securities believes current industry opportunities lie mainly in materials validation and early equipment orders. Large-scale commercialization still has stages to progress through.
Why are solid-state batteries attracting attention?
As sales of new energy vehicles and demand for power batteries enter a TWh-scale growth phase, requirements for range, safety and fast charging are rising. The scope for improvements in the energy density, safety and fast-charging cycle life of liquid-electrolyte lithium batteries faces constraints.
Solid electrolytes, lithium-metal anodes and separator-free designs could theoretically achieve energy density above 400 Wh/kg, with the potential for fast charging in 10–15 minutes and more than 2000 cycles. Industry participants believe the technology must still pass through validation, engineering and mass production, rather than immediately replacing liquid-electrolyte batteries.
How far will the industry progress in 2027?
CATL said on an investor relations platform on 27 October that it continues to invest in all-solid-state battery R&D and may achieve small-batch production in 2027.
Wan Hongbing of Southwest Securities sees 2027 as a window for small-batch production and validation in vehicles. He expects technology pathways to gradually converge and enter large-scale commercialization in 2028–2030. Engineering and application validation still stand between small-batch production and large-scale commercial use.
Why do opportunities in materials and equipment come earlier?
Southwest Securities believes the industry will remain driven by validation rather than production growth in the short term: semi-solid-state and quasi-solid-state batteries will be deployed first in 2025–2026, with materials validation and equipment orders the current focus.
The firm expects intensive construction of pilot lines in 2026–2027. As production lines take approximately 8–10 months to build, equipment orders will be placed before the lines are completed. The medium-term focus will shift to engineering validation and competition among technology pathways; only over the long term will attention turn to battery manufacturers and integrated leaders across the industry chain.
In materials, MGL has accumulated technology and patents related to solid electrolytes; Dier Corp is developing its third-generation solid-state battery products.
