Chinese experts doubt solid-state batteries' near-term viability despite heavy investment, citing safety risks and delayed timelines beyond 2030.

Solid-state batteries, once seen as a game-changer for electric vehicles, are facing growing skepticism from Chinese experts and automakers despite major investments by companies like Toyota, BMW, and Chery. While they promise higher energy density and improved safety over lithium-ion batteries, researchers warn that failures could be far more explosive. Progress has been slower than expected, with prototypes underperforming and many companies delaying commercialization, with timelines now pushing to 2030 or later. The technology remains promising but far from ready for widespread use.