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Stories

Solid-State Program

Since 2018, Saft has been at the forefront of an innovative program: the development of solid-state batteries. This groundbreaking technology is a significant step toward establishing a robust French battery production industry.

What is a Solid-State battery?

Traditional rechargeable batteries, whether nickel-based, lead acid or lithium-ion, rely on liquid electrolytes for ion exchange between electrodes. While effective, liquid electrolytes pose a safety risk due to their flammability. Li-ion batteries, if misused or damaged, can overheat and cause electrolyte-related problems. To address this, Saft focuses on designing and manufacturing Li-ion batteries with safety in mind.  

Solid-state batteries, which replace liquid electrolytes with solid alternatives, inherently improve safety. They also replace the standard graphite electrode with lithium or silicon, which significantly improves the energy density of the battery.  

Until recently, however, this hasn't been easy to achieve. New generations of solid electrolytes now offer the conductivity levels needed to make solid-state designs viable. In addition, this approach brings us closer to the "Holy Grail" of Li-ion battery design: the use of metallic lithium. 

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Solid-State

Applications of Solid-State technology

Saft's end-use applications will benefit significantly from advances in solid-state technology. 

By overcoming energy density limitations, this innovation optimizes existing battery-powered applications and opens up new possibilities. Here are the key applications that could benefit from this technology:

  • Renewable energy storage: Solid-state batteries can more efficiently store energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind. This helps manage energy supply and demand, making renewable energy more reliable.
  • Medical devices: These batteries can power medical implants and wearable devices more safely and for longer periods of time, improving patient care and convenience.
  • Aerospace and defense: Solid-state batteries are lighter and more durable, making them suitable for use in satellites, drones and other aerospace applications where weight and reliability are critical. 

 And of course, solid-state technology could be applied to many other applications, such as:

  • Electric vehicles (EVs): Solid-state batteries can store more energy and charge faster than conventional batteries, making them ideal for electric cars. This means longer driving ranges and faster charging times.
  • Consumer electronics: Devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops can benefit from solid-state batteries because they can last longer on a single charge and are safer, reducing the risk of overheating and fires.
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Electric car charging

Ecological, economic, and sovereignty considerations

Since 2018, Saft has been actively collaborating with numerous European consortiums in research and development, forging valuable partnerships that have significantly advanced our technology.

The ELIAS project supported by France 2030 and operated by Bpifrance exemplifies our commitment to ecological transitions. By enhancing battery performance, we are expanding the range of applications while simultaneously reducing the carbon footprints of our customers. In addition, our focus on life cycle analysis and recycling of the materials that make up a solid state battery supports national resource independence and minimizes environmental impact. Economically, this project is designed to lower costs for end users, making sustainable technology more accessible. 

Saft is also involved in the EU-funded SOLVE project, which aims to develop the batteries of the future: safer, with improved performance and fast charging capabilities, and with highly sustainable and circular manufacturing. SOLVE consists of 16 partners, including major industrial companies, OEMs, universities and research institutes from 8 different European countries. Saft brings to the consortium our experience and expertise in developing the technology.  

In addition, Saft was a partner in the SAFELiMOVE project, which focused on advancing research into solid-state technology for electric vehicle applications. By participating in SAFELiMOVE, Saft has contributed to significant progress in the development of safer, more efficient and sustainable battery solutions for the automotive industry.