The electric car has been waiting for years for a revolution that will end range anxiety. That revolution could be closer than ever thanks to solid-state batteries, and the two Chinese giants in the sector, BYD and CATL, have just taken decisive steps . BYD has registered a set of patents that promise to double current energy density, with a potential range of up to 2.000 kilometers, while CATL has confirmed that it will begin its pilot production in 2027.
The race to master this technology, considered the 'Holy Grail' of energy storage, has intensified in recent weeks. BYD published its first patent on July 28, 2026, and a few days later, CATL responded with its own timeline. Both manufacturers agree on 2027 for the first test cells, but significant challenges remain before they reach dealerships.
What has BYD patented?
The seven patents registered by BYD focus on solving one of the biggest headaches of solid-state batteries: the contact between materials. In a conventional lithium-ion battery, the liquid electrolyte adapts to the irregularities of the electrodes, but when it is replaced with a solid, gaps appear that degrade performance. BYD's solution involves a dual-electrolyte cathode that combines more stable halide particles with sulfide particles, which are better conductors of ions.
Furthermore, four of the patents detail advances in materials chemistry. For example, an intermediate layer to prevent unwanted reactions between the two electrolytes, and a cathode structure divided into two zones: a compact inner zone that resists cracking and a granular outer zone that better withstands rapid charging. They have also devised a quality control system called 'Re' that measures the percentage of contact between particles, with a minimum of 60% to guarantee proper functioning.
The goal is clear: to ensure the battery lasts for thousands of cycles without any loss of performance. To achieve this, BYD is even considering using a small amount of liquid at specific points, not as in current batteries, but as a supplement to maintain electrical contact. All of this points to a more complex technology than simply replacing the electrolyte, but one with enormous potential.
CATL's answer: the race for 2027
CATL, the world's largest battery manufacturer with a 43,2% market share in China, has not been left behind. As confirmed to its investors, it will begin small-scale pilot production lines in 2027, the same date BYD has set for its vehicle trials. This coincidence is not accidental , but rather a reflection of fierce competition to avoid falling behind in the next generation of batteries.
However, CATL is more conservative in its projections. Its president, Robin Zeng, has acknowledged that commercial adoption is 'still years away'. In fact, the company estimates that its solid-state cells are at level 4 of 9 on the technology maturity scale, and they expect to reach level 7 or 8 by 2027, which would allow for pilot production but not mass manufacturing.
The threshold for large-scale production is set at one million vehicles per year, a figure not expected to be reached before 2030. Furthermore, the first models equipped with these batteries will be high-end , with prices starting at 250.000 yuan (approximately €32.000). In Spain, that equates to a premium car, so we won't see solid-state batteries in everyday vehicles for several years.
What does this mean for the European driver?
For European drivers, the arrival of solid-state batteries could mean the end of "charge anxiety." With double the energy density, an electric car could travel 800 or even 1.000 kilometers on a single charge without increasing the battery pack size. The announced 2.000 kilometers is a technological goal , not a confirmed figure for a specific model, but the mere fact that two giants like BYD and CATL are investing in it is a clear sign of where the sector is headed.
In Europe, manufacturers like Volkswagen, Mercedes, and BMW are also developing their own solid-state batteries, but Chinese advances could accelerate competition. If BYD meets its timeline, the first cells will be installed in test vehicles in 2027, and we could see the first production units by 2030. Even so, mass production and cost reduction remain the main obstacles . It's not enough for the technology to work in the lab; it has to do so reliably for at least ten years and at a competitive price.
Meanwhile, if you're thinking about buying an electric car, you shouldn't wait for these batteries. Current technology already allows for long journeys with planning, and charging networks continue to improve. Solid-state batteries will arrive, but they'll first appear in premium models and gradually trickle down to the rest of the market. The question is no longer 'Will I get there?', but 'When are we launching?'
The race for solid-state batteries has entered a decisive phase. BYD has patented a promising solution for material contact, CATL has set a date for its pilot production, and both are targeting 2027 as the year for the first real-world tests. A range of 2.000 kilometers is an ambitious goal, but it's not science fiction. However, mass production and costs will remain major challenges before this technology becomes commonplace on European roads. For now, we have to wait, but with the feeling that the future is closer than ever.