As solid-state battery technology moves from the lab to the production line, clarifying the distinction between semi-solid-state and full-solid-state batteries is becoming increasingly important.
According to industry insiders, to avoid market confusion, relevant departments are considering issuing new guidelines to uniformly rename "semi-solid-state" batteries to "solid-liquid" batteries. This change reflects the fundamental technological differences between the two battery types amidst the accelerated development of the industry.
The solid-state battery market is booming. According to the "2025 Blue Book on the High-Quality Development of Solid-State Batteries," global shipments are projected to reach 614.1 GWh by 2030. The market size is expected to exceed 100 billion RMB, with semi-solid-state batteries accounting for approximately 85%.
This naming adjustment comes as China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and other departments have identified solid-state batteries as a key research direction, and local governments are providing continued policy support for industry planning and standard setting.
Full-solid-state batteries require ion conduction entirely through a solid electrolyte, without involving a liquid phase, while semi-solid-state products typically still contain liquid or gel components. The two technologies differ fundamentally in terms of safety, cycle life, production processes, and cost.
Semi-solid-state batteries retain 5-10% liquid electrolyte, maintaining high energy density while avoiding thermal runaway. Their compatibility with existing equipment significantly lowers the threshold for industrialization, making them a practical step toward all-solid-state technology.
The push for clearer terminology aligns with China's broader policy framework for advancing battery technology. In 2025, China issued the "All-Solid-State Battery Certification Method," providing unified measurement standards for technical research, product certification, and market application.
This standard effectively prevents "pseudo-all-solid-state" products from disrupting the market, safeguarding consumer rights and industry order. It also creates technical pressure on companies that rely on hype surrounding the "semi-solid-state" concept.
Solid-state battery development is accelerating globally. QuantumScape recently announced that it has begun providing B1-grade battery samples to automotive OEMs for testing. Major automakers have set different timelines for implementing solid-state batteries. Nissan plans to begin trial production as early as 2025, Toyota is targeting 2027-2028, and Mercedes-Benz is aiming for 2030.
Market analysis indicates that solid-state batteries have significant growth potential, particularly in consumer electronics. The global all-solid-state thin-film lithium-ion battery market is projected to reach $2.21 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.0%.
As the industry evolves, the shift in terminology from "semi-solid" to "solid-liquid" is more than just a name change; it reflects the maturation of the technology and the need for precise communication as these power sources move closer to widespread commercialization.
This name clarification comes at a critical juncture for companies as they balance technical feasibility with market demand, leveraging practical applications to refine the technology and advance the development of all-solid-state batteries.