Solid-state batteries are reshaping the future of the global automotive industry, and Sino-European cooperation is becoming a key driving force behind this technological revolution. At the 2025 Munich International Motor Show, this technology, regarded as the “savior” of new energy vehicles (NEVs), demonstrated remarkable development potential.

The biggest attraction of solid-state batteries lies in their significant advantages: high energy density and superior safety. Compared to traditional liquid batteries, they effectively address long-standing pain points in NEVs, such as range, charging, and safety. Chinese companies have made particularly notable breakthroughs in this field. For example, the all-solid-state silicon-based battery developed by AVIC Lithium Battery has an energy density of 430Wh/kg, far exceeding the industry’s general level of 300-400Wh/kg.

European automakers are enthusiastically embracing this revolutionary technology. BMW Group began road testing its BMW i7 full solid-state battery prototype in May this year, marking a significant step from laboratory to practical application. German automakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen are all seeking to regain global competitiveness through electrification.

Sino-European collaboration in the solid-state battery sector is evolving from a single technology transfer to a deeper model of “joint research and development + localized production.” BMW and Audi have established close partnerships with Chinese battery companies like Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) and EVE Energy. This “European vehicle technology + Chinese battery solution” collaborative model not only reduces the R&D costs for European automakers but also accelerates the global progress of Chinese solid-state battery technology.

Market data indicates that electric vehicles are gaining increasing consumer acceptance. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, from January to July 2025, the number of pure electric vehicle registrations in the EU reached 1.012 million, accounting for 15.6% of the market.

However, the commercialization of solid-state batteries is not without its challenges. The industry faces three key issues: first, cost control, as current full solid-state batteries are 3-5 times more expensive than traditional lithium-ion batteries; second, standardization, with differences in testing methods and safety metrics between China and Europe; and third, recycling, which requires the development of specialized recycling processes.

According to the “2025 High-Quality Development Blueprint for Solid-State Batteries,” by 2030, global solid-state battery shipments are expected to reach 614.1GWh, with the market size entering the trillion-yuan level. This is not just a technological breakthrough but also a significant opportunity for the reconfiguration of the global automotive industry value chain.

China has shown significant advantages in this field. Global patent data indicates that China is the country with the most solid-state battery patent layouts. From materials to applications, companies like Qing Tao Energy, Ganfeng Lithium, and SAIC Motor are actively deploying, expanding the scope of technical applications.

The development of solid-state batteries is not only about technological innovation in the automotive industry but also about injecting new impetus into global energy transition and carbon reduction goals. Sino-European cooperation in advancing the commercialization of this technology could bring consumers a safer and more efficient driving experience.