Battery technology race intensifies: solid-state, condensed, and fast-charging breakthroughs

A new partnership (SK On) demonstrates solid-state battery with 375 Wh/kg and 18-minute charge in road tests, using existing factories to speed production. BYD advances dual-electrolyte cathode approach; Chery claims 600 Wh/kg. CATL's condensed battery (500 Wh/kg) emerges as a near-term, manufacturable bridge to solid-state, with deep-dive analysis highlighting supramolecular chemistry and safety. Semi-solid packs are arriving now, but all-solid remains years away. A UW-Madison study shows solid-state batteries still catch fire, but slower than liquid-electrolyte. Fast-charging LFP race also heats up (CATL Shenxing under 6.5 min, BYD Blade 9 min).