Transitioning solid-state batteries from lab to market: Linking electro-chemo-mechanics with practical considerations

Li-metal solid-state batteries (SSBs) are promising candidates to supplant Li-ion batteries for a variety of different applications, including electric vehicles, due to their potential to provide a stepwise improvement in performance and safety. However, the benefits of SSBs are also accompanied by a unique set of challenges, which currently hinder their widespread commercialization. This perspective provides an overview of some of these unique challenges and their connection to the electrochemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the SSB materials. Recent advances in understanding and overcoming these challenges are discussed. In an effort to establish more rigorous manufacturing, performance, and operation specifications, insights were solicited from three global automakers. In this context, we emphasize the importance of further mechanistic understanding of these systems using consistent testing protocols and data analysis methods, guided by practical input and design criteria proposed by automakers and other industrial parties.