Huawei has shocked the electric vehicle (EV) world by filing a patent for a solid-state battery that claims a potential range of 3,000 kilometres and the ability to recharge to full in just five minutes. Normally, we have to assume this particular patent will go nowhere, and we will forget about it; however, it could be the start of something new.
The Technology Behind the Patent
Huawei’s patent primarily describes sulfide-based solid electrolytes doped with nitrogen. As a material, this package theoretically stabilizes the lithium anode at the interface, preventing unwanted side reactions that cause battery degradation, environmental issues, and safety concerns for the battery.
The patent suggests that this battery would have energy densities of 400-500 Wh/kg, such densities are substantially higher than today’s lithium-ion cells. Such density would enable smaller packs, lighter packs, or a longer driving range.
The Wild Range and Charging Claims
The current claim is a battery of 3,000 km range on China’s CLTC cycle. We all know this standard is generous; even under stricter EPA testing, it could exceed 2,000 km and be significantly higher than existing EVs.
The other outlandish claim is the five-minute full recharge claim. If this can be realized, this would eliminate range anxiety along with the comparison to the convenience of refuelling a normal gasoline engine.
Can it be done? Industry response
Despite the excitement, many commentators called for caution. For example, Top Gear highlighted that a pack capable of the claimed range might weigh over a ton, which raises questions about practicality.
Analysts also point out that Huawei’s numbers might reflect laboratory conditions that aren’t representative of what happens in the real world, where all the other factors – weight, thermal management, energy losses – could put the battery range closer to around 1,200 miles (1930 km) or potentially even less.
China’s Growing Battery Leadership
Huawei’s patent seems to reflect a broader effort on a national level. China files over 7600 solid-state battery patents a year, which is more than 36% of global patent activity.
Domestic competitors are making headway, too. CATL is planning to pilot production of hybrid solid-state batteries by 2027, and Going High-Tech and WeLion have started limited trials. With Huawei in the market, this will bolster the nation’s leadership in next-generation battery research. Scientists at Fudan University have also developed a novel approach that can significantly increase the capacity of lithium-ion batteries and, therefore, the potential for future energy storage.
Significant Challenges Ahead
Despite the lofty promises, there are significant challenges before commercialization will occur:
- Cost: Sulphide electrolytes pose significant costs, especially since estimates are quoted at $1,400 per kWh
- Manufacturing complexity: Scaling nitrogen-doped sulfide layers is intolerably complex.
- Charging infrastructure: Ultra-fast charging requires a significant investment to upgrade existing power delivery systems.
- Real-world performance: Weight and thermal issues could bring the maximum possible range down to significantly less than publicly advertised values.
These challenges highlight the disparity between the stated patent idea and an actual deployable technology.
A Vision for the Future, but Not Yet a Reality
Huawei’s patented solid-state battery is very ambitious and makes big claims about both range and charging speed. But as it stands, it is merely a patent. A significant investment to manufacture, test, and build a product will take years of development and a slow and expensive, and uncertain pathway from prototype/proof of concept towards production.
Nonetheless, the announcement shows that Huawei intends to compete in the global switch to electric vehicles. If the technology does come to market, it could be an important moment in future sustainable mobility. If it doesn’t, at least it may extend the limits of what is possible and spur additional innovation in the push to create a better battery.
