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Apple’s battery supplier TDK claims its new material achieves an energy density of 1,000 watt-hours per litre, a substantial improvement compared to its current mass-produced batteries read more
 "Apple's battery supplier TDK claims breakthrough in solid-state batteries, will bring major perf boost")
While TDK’s breakthrough holds promise for revolutionising energy storage, especially in consumer electronics and potentially electric vehicles, it still faces some major challenges ahead of its widespread adoption. Image Credit: Reuters
Japan-based TDK, a major supplier to Apple for its batteries, has announced a significant breakthrough in the development of small solid-state batteries. This can potentially result in a major performance boost push in several devices ranging from wireless headphones to smartwatches.
The company claims its new material achieves an energy density of 1,000 watt-hours per litre, a substantial improvement compared to its current mass-produced batteries.
This development surpasses competitors’ offerings in solid-state batteries, which typically reach around 50 Wh/l, and even exceeds rechargeable coin batteries using traditional liquid electrolytes, which achieve about 400 Wh/l.
Noboru Saito, TDK’s chief executive, expressed optimism about the impact of their newly developed solid-state battery material on society’s energy landscape, emphasising its potential to enable smaller device sizes and longer operational durations.
The batteries will feature an all-ceramic design with oxide-based solid electrolytes and lithium alloy anodes, promising enhanced electrical charge storage capabilities and heightened stability for improved safety.
While TDK’s breakthrough holds promise for revolutionising energy storage, especially in consumer electronics and potentially electric vehicles, it still faces some major challenges ahead of its widespread adoption.
Solid-state batteries are highly demanded for their potential safety, lighter weight, potential cost-effectiveness, longer lifespan, and faster charging compared to conventional liquid electrolyte batteries. However, scaling up to larger battery sizes, crucial for applications in electric vehicles and smartphones, poses significant technical and production challenges.
Industry analysts, such as Kevin Shang from Wood Mackenzie, highlight concerns over the mechanical properties and the complexities of mass production, particularly in integrating solid-state oxide-based batteries into smartphones.
Despite these hurdles, experts foresee solid-state batteries, particularly those that use sulphide-based electrolytes, playing a pivotal role in enhancing the driving range of electric vehicles.
TDK, renowned for its expertise in battery materials since its founding in 1935, plans to start shipping prototypes of its new solid-state battery next year, with plans to scale up to mass production after that.
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English (US) ·