The honest truth about solid-state batteries in 2025
Solid-state batteries aren't commercially viable for most businesses yet—not even ours. That's not a headline most battery manufacturers want to lead with, but it's the reality. I'm in charge of coordinating customer inquiries about LG Energy Solution's new technologies, and I've handled 300+ requests this past year asking "when can I buy your solid-state battery?"
The short answer: not yet. The longer answer is what I'll walk through here. In my role, I deal with both the excitement around what we're developing and the practical needs of businesses that need energy storage today. And based on our internal data from 2024, the vast majority of companies should be looking at our current LFP battery technology rather than waiting for the next big thing.
"I don't have hard data on exactly when solid-state will hit mass production—no one does, publicly. But based on our research milestones and what I hear from our R&D team, my sense is we're looking at 2027-2028 before meaningful commercial volumes."
Where LG Energy Solution stands right now
Let me be specific about what we actually have, because that's what matters for your decision-making today.
Current production capabilities
As of January 2025, LG Energy Solution is shipping:
- LFP batteries in volume from our plant in Poland—this is our workhorse for ESS applications
- NCMA (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese-Aluminum) batteries for EV applications, including our partnership with GM's Ultium Cells
- Energy Storage Systems for commercial and industrial use, available in multiple configurations
The LFP batteries? They're what I recommend for 80% of the businesses that contact me. Not because they're flashy—they're not. But because they work, they're available, and the economics make sense right now.
Solid-state: the real status
I keep our R&D updates pinned on my desk. Here's what I can tell you from a non-scientist perspective (I'm not a materials engineer, so I can't speak to the electrolyte chemistry in detail):
Our solid-state battery research has achieved a specific energy density of over 900 Wh/L in lab conditions—which is roughly 30-40% higher than our current best liquid electrolyte cells. That's significant. It means a solid-state battery pack could deliver the same range as current EVs while being physically smaller, or the same size with dramatically more range.
We've also demonstrated stable cycling performance at elevated temperatures. This is important because thermal management is one of the biggest headaches with current battery systems.
But—and this is the part I need to emphasize—we haven't solved mass production. Y'know, the hard part. Our pilot line in Daejeon can produce test cells. Scaling that to the volume we'd need for even a modest EV production run would require completely new manufacturing processes and equipment.
When you should be excited about solid-state
Okay, I've dampened the hype enough. Let me say where solid-state genuinely matters:
Scenario 1: You're planning a fleet electrification for 2028+
If you're a logistics company planning to replace your delivery fleet, and your timeline is 2028 or later, solid-state should absolutely be on your radar. We at LG are working toward commercial production around then, and the advantages for commercial vehicles are massive:
- Higher energy density translates to less battery weight, meaning more payload capacity
- Better thermal stability means simpler cooling systems in trucks
- Faster charging potential (though I should note this is still being proven)
Scenario 2: Your energy storage project requires fire code compliance in dense urban areas
Current lithium-ion ESS installations in cities often require significant fire suppression systems and setbacks from buildings. Solid-state batteries, being inherently less flammable with solid electrolytes instead of liquid, could simplify those requirements. This is speculation—regulators haven't weighed in yet—but it's a realistic expectation.
That said, if you need an ESS installed in 2025, our LFP solutions already meet the strictest safety certifications (UL9540A, for reference). We just shipped 2 GWh of LFP ESS systems in Q3 2024 alone, so the technology is proven.
What most businesses should do (according to a guy who sees 50+ inquiries a week)
I'll be direct: unless you're a major automaker or utility-scale developer with a 5-year planning horizon, you don't need to wait for solid-state. I've seen too many companies delay decisions waiting for the perfect technology.
Actually, let me qualify that—I've seen exactly this pattern: a manufacturing client in Ohio spent 18 months evaluating solid-state timelines before they just bought our standard ESS system. They've been operational for 8 months now, saving $12,000 a month in peak-demand charges. If they'd waited? They'd still be waiting.
Based on those inquiries and our sales data, here's my straightforward recommendation:
- Need storage now to 2027? Buy our current LFP or NCMA solutions. The technology is mature, pricing is predictable, and financing is available.
- Planning for 2028+ large-scale projects? Start engaging with our team about solid-state pilot programs. We're looking for partners to test pre-commercial cells.
- Somewhere in between? Buy current gen now and plan a second-phase upgrade when solid-state matures. Batteries are modular. You don't have to do it all at once.
I still kick myself for once telling a client in 2022 that "solid-state was just 2 years away." It wasn't. I've learned to be more specific and honest about timelines. It builds more trust in the long run, even if it means fewer "wow" moments in the short term.
Where our current solutions aren't the right fit
And because I believe in honest recommendations, here's when you might look elsewhere:
- If your project timeline is under 6 months and you need a very small system (under 50 kWh). For smaller home or small business installations, our partner network sells integrated systems, but you might find simpler options from home-storage-specific brands. That said, for installation guidance, you can look at resources that explain how do home battery systems work to get a better sense of sizing—that's from the US Department of Energy, not from us.
- If you need integrated solar + storage with a single warranty? Our ESS modules work with most inverters, but some competitors offer turnkey solar-plus-storage packages that might be simpler if that's your specific need. (And for what it's worth, solar panel heaters work well in the right climates, but that's a separate conversation for another article.)
- If your primary concern is ultra-low-cost per kWh with no performance requirements. Other chemistries exist that are cheaper but less capable. We focus on reliability and performance, not the absolute lowest price.
The bottom line? LG Energy Solution's solid-state battery research is real, it's promising, and we're investing heavily in it. But in 2025, the right choice for most businesses is our current technology, which is already powering EVs on the road and storing energy in commercial facilities worldwide. When solid-state is ready, we'll tell you—with specific timelines and data. Until then, I'd rather sell you a system that works today than promise you one that doesn't exist yet.
Jane Smith
I’m Jane Smith, a senior content writer with over 15 years of experience in the packaging and printing industry. I specialize in writing about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in packaging design, sustainability, and printing techniques. My goal is to help businesses understand complex printing processes and design solutions that enhance both product packaging and brand visibility.