Samsung captured the spotlight by announcing its groundbreaking solid-state battery technology at the InterBattery conference held on November 5, 2023, in Seoul, South Korea. This next-generation battery is set to redefine the electric vehicle (EV) market, offering an unprecedented range of up to 965 kilometers on a single charge and recharging in just 9 minutes.
These state-of-the-art solid-state batteries also have a life span of 20 years. Testing batches of these batteries have already been shipped to major automotive manufacturers.
Solid-state batteries (SSBs) present a compelling alternative to traditional lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. SSBs offer advantages in terms of size, weight, safety, capacity, and recharging speed. Because they lack a liquid electrolyte, they can be smaller and lighter, making them ideal for applications such as electric vehicles (EVs).
Additionally, SSBs boast faster charging times, with claims of reaching 80% charge in as little as 10-15 minutes, compared to Li-ion batteries, which can take longer to charge. SSBs can also offer a higher energy density per cell, typically between 300 Wh and 400 Wh, compared with traditional batteries. Moreover, SSBs offer greater energy density, enabling longer driving ranges on a single charge.
With their enhanced safety features, higher thermal stability, and potential for lower carbon footprints, SSBs represent a significant advancement in battery technology and could revolutionize various industries. Properties like these attracted many EVs and energy storage systems (ESS) players to Solid State Batteries (SSB).
Despite these advantages, SSBs still face significant challenges. For instance, the new Samsung batteries have high production costs and are expected to be available for high-end EVs for the initial phase.
We have discussed those challenges in detail later in this article. However, if companies (like yours) solve these issues, it would be a massive step for the EV and Energy Storage industries.
Here are 10 solid state battery companies leading the research:
1. Toyota
Toyota has been building its solid-state battery research program since 2010, and with nearly 2,000 patents filed and commercial production targeted for 2026, its IP and materials science work offers some of the richest data points in the field.
Toyota’s most-cited research milestone came in 2011, when its team, in partnership with the Tokyo Institute of Technology, developed the world’s first lithium superionic conductor. It was capable of conducting lithium ions more effectively at room temperature in the solid state than in the liquid state. This material doubled the ionic conductivity of existing lithium-ion conductors.
By 2016, the team improved on this with Li₉.₅₄Si₁.₇₄P₁.₄₄S₁₁.₇Cl₀.₃, demonstrating an exceptionally high conductivity of 25 mS cm⁻¹ and a near-zero voltage against lithium metal, indicating high electrochemical stability.
A January 2025 study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, conducted in collaboration with Toyota, identified copper nitride (Cu₃N) as a high-performance cathode material for all-solid-state fluoride-ion batteries (FIBs).
Cu₃N exhibits a reversible capacity of approximately 550 mAh/g — three times the volumetric capacity and twice the gravimetric capacity of conventional lithium-ion cathodes. This could potentially double EV driving range from 600 km to 1,200 km.
R&D Focus Areas as per Patents
Toyota’s ~2,000 SSB patents target four core technical problems:
- Charging speed — Patent US20230387412A1 uses graphite particles with a sulfide solid electrolyte to reduce ion transport resistance; US20240021797A1 deploys a fluorine-phosphorus composite coating to cut resistance under high voltage.
- Battery longevity — Patent US20240038972A1 uses alternating fluoride-sulfide electrolyte layers to reduce resistance degradation over charge cycles.
- Energy density — Patent US20230299337A1 achieves stable performance at low restraint pressure (≤0.5 MPa) using sulfide electrolyte-coated composite particles; US20220328815A1 addresses Si-anode volume expansion during cycling
- Compact cell design — Patent US20220200057A1 details a metal-case enclosure with welded current collector layers to eliminate welding clearance and maximize energy density
Technology Roadmap
Toyota plans to begin SSB production in 2026 and launch SSB-powered vehicles in 2027, targeting a 10-minute fast charge (10–80%) and up to 745 miles of range. The company intends to introduce SSBs in a hybrid vehicle before moving to full BEVs, and aims to sell 3.5 million EVs annually across 30 Toyota and Lexus model lines by 2030.
Toyota's Complete Research Analysis in Solid State Batteries
2. Samsung SDI
Samsung SDI holds over 1,100 patents related to all-solid-state battery technology, which the company reaffirmed at InterBattery 2026 in Seoul. Samsung further revealed a new name for its all-solid-state battery technology, SolidStack.
With mass production targeted for 2027 and a robots-first commercialization strategy, Samsung SDI’s R&D trajectory is both technically deep and commercially deliberate.
Samsung SDI’s influential research milestone was published in Nature Energy (2020), where researchers proposed using a silver-carbon (Ag-C) composite layer as the anode in an all-solid-state pouch cell, a first in the field. The Ag-C nanocomposite layer, just 5 µm thick, enabled the team to reduce the anode volume, increase the energy density to up to 900 Wh/L, and make the prototype approximately 50% smaller in volume than a conventional lithium-ion battery.
This design also directly addresses dendrite formation, which is one of the most persistent failure modes in lithium metal batteries. As a result, it extends cycle life to over 1,000 full charges without significant capacity degradation.
Samsung SDI’s current ASB (All-Solid-State Battery) development uses a proprietary solid electrolyte material combined with anode-less technology, which removes the anode layer volume entirely to accommodate more cathode material.
This design removes the need for a separator, further increasing volumetric energy density. The company has already demonstrated a 900 Wh/L target under laboratory conditions. It nearly doubles the energy density of mainstream EV batteries, which are approximately 500 Wh/kg.
Electrolyte Breakthrough
In February 2026, Samsung SDI, in collaboration with SDI R&D America and Columbia University, announced a breakthrough in lithium-metal battery technology. The battery system uses a fluorine-based gel polymer electrolyte that effectively suppresses dendrite formation, extends battery lifespan, and improves safety. This hybrid electrolyte approach bridges the gap between liquid and solid electrolytes and may serve as the critical enabling step toward the commercialization of next-generation lithium-metal cells.
“This study represents a major improvement in lithium-ion battery performance through a new electrolyte formulation and brings commercialization of next-generation batteries one step closer,” said Professor Yuan Yang of Columbia University.
Commercialization Timeline
Samsung SDI plans to complete mass production preparations for all-solid-state batteries by 2027. It targets the robotics market rather than EVs for its solid-state batteries.
“All-solid battery is an innovative solution that can increase the robot’s operating time by up to eight hours with high capacity,” said Samsung SDI’s strategic marketing executive director Lim Sang-seok, at the Interbattery 2026 conference.
3. CATL
CATL is the world’s largest EV battery manufacturer, with nearly 40% of the global market share. It holds more than 32,000 patents globally. Its solid-state battery program, internally called “Ningde Shidai All-Solid-State,” is one of the most well-funded and patent-active SSB R&D programs in the world, backed by $2.59 billion in R&D spending in 2024.
Unlike Toyota’s LGPS-based and Samsung SDI’s Ag-C approaches, CATL has doubled down on sulfide-based solid electrolytes, specifically argyrodite-type crystal structures, which offer superior ionic conductivity at room temperature.
CATL’s latest international patent (PCT/CN2025/086345, published March 5, 2026) details a fluorine-containing lithium salt combined with sulfide solid-state electrolyte materials.
The fluorine-based additive provides high-temperature stability and, upon decomposition, generates lithium fluoride (LiF), which forms an in situ protective solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the cathode—acting as a shield to stabilize the electrolyte, suppress dendrite growth, and extend cycle life.
Lithium Metal Battery Breakthrough
In 2025, CATL’s dedicated next-generation research unit, the 21C Lab, published a breakthrough in lithium-metal battery electrolyte formulation. By introducing a lower-molecular-weight diluent and increasing the LiFSI (lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide) salt mass fraction, the team simultaneously improved ionic conductivity and reduced electrolyte viscosity.
The resulting prototype achieved 483 charge-discharge cycles, which is double the lifespan of the previous iteration. It further maintains the same Coulombic efficiency and reaches an energy density exceeding 500 Wh/kg.
Technology Roadmap
CATL Chief Scientist Wu Kai has publicly outlined a structured Technology Maturity Level (TML) scale for SSB development:
| TML Level | Milestone | Timeline |
| Level 4 | Lab prototypes and 20Ah samples | Current (2026) |
| Level 7–8 | 60Ah automotive-grade cells, pilot vehicle integration | 2027 |
| Level 9 | Full-scale mass production | ~2030 |
CATL plans to begin small-scale pilot production by 2027 and reach full mass production closer to 2030. Early commercial deployment will target drones and robotics before transitioning to automotive applications.
4. QuantumScape
QuantumScape is working to commercialize solid-state batteries for use in electric vehicles. It aims to reduce manufacturing costs, making battery production more economical and accessible, thereby enabling widespread adoption. The company is also working on enhancing energy density through its solid-state lithium-metal battery technology.
Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, QuantumScape’s Solid-State Lithium-Metal Battery features an innovative anode-less design and a proprietary solid ceramic separator. The technology eliminates the need for graphite or silicon anode host material and replaces the organic separator with a solid ceramic one.
It is also developing a novel manufacturing process that will enable the mass production of these batteries at a lower cost than traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Volkswagen Group’s battery company PowerCo and QuantumScape have entered into a groundbreaking agreement to industrialize QuantumScape’s next-generation solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. This non-exclusive license allows PowerCo to produce up to 40 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually using QuantumScape’s technology, with the option to expand to 80 GWh, potentially powering one million vehicles annually.
The partnership, which supersedes a previous joint venture, combines QuantumScape’s cutting-edge technology with PowerCo’s global industrialization expertise.
The company has also entered into agreements with two other major global automakers and is expanding its business into the Asia-Pacific region, opening an office in Kyoto, Japan. This new property will feature a state-of-the-art laboratory for battery research and development.
5. Prieto Battery
Based in the United States, Prieto Battery aims to develop a safe, solid-state battery with higher energy density, faster charging, longer life, lower cost, and compatibility with a wide range of applications and devices.
The 3D Full Cell from Prieto is a single device that combines ultracapacitor power and Li-ion energy storage. The device can decouple energy and power density and tailor them to each application, which is not achievable with a 2D structure.
Prieto intends to offer its 3D anode as a standalone product, a drop-in substitute for traditional anodes such as graphite. In the fall of 2019, these cells passed third-party safety testing and are an ideal solution for enabling Li-ion battery chemistry in medical devices where safety is critical.
Hercules Electric Vehicles and Prieto Battery, Inc. announced in 2020 that they had signed a Letter of Intent to form a strategic partnership to develop and commercialize Prieto’s 3D Lithium-ion solid-state batteries for use in Hercules electric pickups, SUVs, and other upcoming vehicles commencing in 2025.
Sodium-ion Batteries for Storage
6. BrightVolt
BrightVolt, based in the United States, is a leader in developing solid-state thin and flexible lithium polymer batteries. The company has sold approximately 15 million primary (non-rechargeable) solid-state batteries globally. In addition, BrightVolt is currently working on a ground-breaking new “platform” solid-state polymer electrolyte for use in Secondary/Rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries for consumer electronics and e-mobility applications.
The company’s patented Polymer Matrix Electrolyte (PME®) technology enables batteries with 25% higher energy density than existing Lithium-ion batteries, while also making them cleaner, safer, and more environmentally friendly, all at a lower overall manufacturing cost.
7. Sakuu
Sakuu, headquartered in the US, innovates large-scale, environmentally friendly battery technology and manufacturing. Proprietary solid-state electrolyte and porous anode technologies deliver higher energy density for maximum range and faster charging.
Cypress™ Cell Technology, the company, revolutionizes battery manufacturing by delivering high-energy-density batteries with exceptional safety features. It has energy densities ranging from 750 Wh/l to over 900 Wh/l, supporting 3C continuous discharge and peaks up to 10C.
These cells/batteries can achieve over 700 cycles at 100% depth of discharge while maintaining an 80% state of health, demonstrating their reliability and longevity. Cypress™ Cell is UN38.3 compliant, ensuring safety. The comprehensive manufacturing licensing package accelerates time-to-market and supports business growth.
The company rapidly prints these solid-state batteries from the transformational KavianTM platform in agile gigafactory settings. This enables mass-scale, cost-effective, and sustainable production to fulfill global cell demand.
Swift PrintTM solid-state batteries from the company deliver best-in-class performance and safety in a recyclable, customizable package.
Sakuu’s 0.80% weekly growth rate confirms Cypress™ as a scalable solution. The Cypress™ Cell Technology package includes innovative features such as Kavian™ printing, dry processes, mass production, customization, and cost reduction, making it even more attractive to manufacturers.
The company has established a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Japan’s NGK Spark Plugs in 2022. The MOU would allow NGK to co-develop and supply ceramic materials for Sakuu’s solid-state battery production, from current battery material requirements at Sakuu’s California pilot-line facility through at-scale commercialization for its AM solid-state battery line.
8. Solid Power
Based in the United States, Solid Power develops all-solid-state rechargeable batteries for the electric-vehicle and portable-power industries. Solid Power replaces a standard lithium-ion battery’s flammable liquid electrolyte with a proprietary sulfide solid electrolyte. As an outcome, Solid Power’s all-solid-state cells are safer and much more stable across a wide temperature range. They can provide a 50-75% increase in energy density over the best available rechargeable batteries.
The company’s technology offers higher energy capacity, enhanced safety, and cost advantages. It has achieved up to 500 Wh/kg in full-scale cells with capacities up to 100 Ah and a volumetric energy density of 930 Wh/l.
Under a memorandum of understanding (“MoU”) and joint development agreement (“JDA”) signed in 2021, Solid Power, Inc. entered into a partnership with SK Innovation Co to manufacture automotive-scale all-solid-state batteries. The collaboration is intended to enable validation of Solid Power’s all-solid-state cell research and production processes as part of the industry-standard automotive qualification process.
According to Doug Campbell, CEO and Co-Founder of Solid Power, “The partnership with SK Innovation is designed to validate that Solid Power’s all-solid-state production processes are scalable and compatible with existing lithium-ion production technology. The ability to collaborate with a global leader in lithium-ion cell production is key to our go-to-market strategy and meet anticipated demand.”
Innovative Solid State Battery Startups
9. Lyten
Lyten is a cutting-edge materials science company based in San Jose, California, focused on transforming the battery industry with its innovative 3D Graphene technology.
The battery industry relies heavily on mined minerals for lithium-ion batteries, complicating the supply chain and driving up costs. Traditional battery designs are prone to thermal runaway, posing serious safety risks. Additionally, the excessive weight of composite materials and the use of plastic hinder efficiency and sustainability.
Lyten’s 3D Graphene technology addresses these critical issues, aiming to simplify the supply chain, reduce costs, mitigate safety risks, and reduce the weight and plastic content of battery materials. Its lithium-sulfur batteries, powered by its 3D graphene technology, offer higher energy density and safety. These batteries charge 80% in less than 20 minutes.
The company’s products leverage the unique properties of 3D Graphene to enhance performance and sustainability. Unlike conventional batteries that rely heavily on scarce, expensive, and mined minerals such as cobalt and nickel, Lyten’s lithium-sulfur batteries use abundant sulfur, making them more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. These batteries offer higher energy density, translating to longer-lasting power in a lighter package.
Lyten’s lithium-sulfur batteries are less prone to thermal runaway, a common safety concern in lithium-ion batteries, making them safer for a broader range of applications.
Its 3D Graphene is a supermaterial that converts greenhouse gases into solid carbon and hydrogen gas. The company also offers sensors and composite materials based on its 3D Graphene technology and material.
Lyten is backed by investors like the US Department of Energy, Walbridge, Stellantis Ventures, Honeywell, Prime Movers Lab, FedEx, Triatomic Capital, and Amazon Web Services.
10. Factorial Energy
Factorial Energy is an innovative battery technology company based in Woburn, Massachusetts, dedicated to advancing solid-state battery technology. Specializing in developing high-performance FEST® batteries, Factorial Energy is addressing critical challenges in the energy storage industry, including enhancing energy density, improving safety, and reducing battery weight.
Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, Factorial’s solid-state technology offers superior performance and safety by utilizing a solid electrolyte, eliminating the risks associated with flammable liquid electrolytes.
Factorial Electrolyte System Technology (FEST®) revolutionizes battery tech, especially solid-state batteries. With a target range of 600+ miles, it extends battery life significantly while reducing weight by 40% and size by 33%, saving space.
The company prioritizes safety, aiming for top ratings and surpassing current limitations to enhance performance and sustainability. It’s a clean energy solution for EVs, homes, and businesses, easing concerns about power depletion. FEST® excels in flexibility, compatibility, and application versatility with lithium-metal, specialized electrolytes, and cathodes.
Industry giants like Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Kia Motors, Hyundai Motor Company, Gatemore Capital Management, Eden Rock Group, and WAVE Equity Partners back it.
Conclusion
Toyota has filed 2,000+ patents. CATL spent $2.59 billion on R&D in 2024 alone. Samsung SDI is collaborating with Columbia University for breakthrough innovations in SSBs.
The solid-state battery race is intense now, at the patent level, in real time.
If your R&D team is making technology bets without a clear view of where the IP is moving, you are benchmarking blind.
GreyB’s Intelligence can help you:
- Track patent filing trends across CATL, Toyota, Samsung SDI, QuantumScape, and other SSB players
- Identify white spaces and crowded technology clusters before your competitors do
- Map which companies are solving which technical problems — from electrolyte instability to anode-less designs — and how fast they are moving
- Deliver intelligence that your R&D, strategy, and IP teams can actually use.
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