Samsung plans to produce solid-state battery for smartphones within two years

A chief executive of Samsung’s battery division SDI has said the company will be able to produce solid-state batteries for smartphones within one or two years. These batteries should be safer than traditional lithium-ion ones.

The CEO makes the claims to the Korea Herald, but wishes to remain anonymous. He says it depends on Samsung’s decision whether the new batteries will actually be used in smartphones. According to the source, solid-state ones would first be used in smartphones and then in cars. The latter application is taking longer for security reasons and is estimated to be ready in 2025.

The fact that the batteries are safer than current lithium-ion models is due to the fact that they do not use liquids, but a solid electrolyte. Also, no leaks can occur and there is less chance of explosion and ignition. In addition, the fixed ones offer a higher energy density, but at the same time a low power density. It is not clear how Samsung intends to produce its batteries. Sony demonstrated a lithium-phosphorus-oxynitride-based prototype in 2015.

Before Samsung comes out with actual solid-state batteries, according to the Korea Herald, it will come with a ‘solid-like battery’, which contains less liquid than a lithium-ion model. This makes it safer and faster to manufacture than full solid-state batteries. The Japanese Toyota is currently the furthest with the development of such a battery. The company showed a prototype in 2012.