The world is opening its eyes to electric vehicles (EVs), and that's especially true in Canada. In the fourth quarter of 2024, EV sales made up over 18% of all vehicle sales in the country. Battery technology is the heart of EV performance, enabling electric vehicles to drive long distances.

Today, the electric vehicle industry is in transition from traditional lithium-ion batteries to solid-state battery chemistry. As these new solid-state batteries gain traction, more consumers than ever will consider electric vehicles for their use.

An Overview of Solid-State Batteries

Traditional lithium-ion batteries contain a flammable liquid that's at risk of overheating when charging too fast. Solid-state batteries contain a solid material that enables faster charging and greater efficiency than lithium-ion batteries.

Although lithium-ion batteries have been around for decades and are a tried-and-true technology, these batteries have some obvious downsides. To improve upon battery design, scientists have been working to develop solid-state batteries for many years. These batteries have been called the "holy grail" of battery technology because they offer stability and longevity in a smaller package than current lithium-ion batteries.

Solid-state batteries are still in their infancy, but some Chinese electric vehicles currently feature solid-state batteries. The number of EVs with solid-state batteries is projected to rise sharply in the coming years.

What's Wrong With Lithium Batteries?

Lithium batteries contain an electrolyte, an organic liquid that fills the internal volume of the cell. This liquid covers the electrodes inside the battery and allows the lithium ions to move between the battery's poles, thus enabling charging. These electrolytes have flammability and safety concerns. Additionally, the battery can degrade and leak over time, causing it to short-circuit.

Advantages of Solid-State Batteries

Solid-state batteries have advantages over lithium batteries. Once solid-state batteries are more widely used in electric vehicles, drivers will have more reasons than ever to consider an electric vehicle.

Improved Charging Speed

In solid-state batteries, lithium particles move from the cathode to the separator, then from the separator to the anode — a solid layer of pure lithium that offers a more stable environment for the movement of lithium ions. The battery also responds better to high temperatures during fast charging.

All of this means that solid-state batteries can charge faster than lithium batteries — up to 6 times faster. For electric vehicle owners, this means less time spent at the charging stations and more time spent driving.

Safety Improvements

Liquid electrolyte battery systems degrade over time, and with every charge. They're flammable and have a low tolerance for impact and over-charging. Solid-state batteries do not have these safety concerns, and consumers use solid-state batteries with a higher degree of confidence.

Enhanced Thermal Stability

Solid-state batteries withstand extreme temperatures better than lithium batteries. In Canadian climates, this translates to improved performance on days that are extremely hot or extremely cold.

Extended Vehicle Range

Solid-state chemistry has increased energy density, so electric vehicle drivers enjoy a longer driving range per charge. With many Canadian consumers driving long distances between their homes and the towns or cities where they shop and work, a longer driving range is crucial for practical vehicle ownership.

Lighter, Smaller Battery

The anode inside a solid-state battery is smaller and denser than that of a lithium battery. In situations where weight and size matter, solid-state batteries have a clear advantage.

Why Aren't Solid State Batteries Widely Available Right Now?

Although some vehicles have been reported to use solid-state batteries, this technology is still in its early stages. Companies that manufacture solid-state batteries are still learning how to build these batteries at scale, manage material costs, and create battery models that achieve maximum efficiency.

Industry Outlook

Research firm BloombergNEF has projected that solid-state batteries will account for as much as 10% of global EV and battery storage demand by the year 2035. Government initiatives and industry partnerships could help make these batteries a more common feature in modern EVs, but experts expect that only premium EVs will feature solid-state batteries for some time.

How to Get Started as an EV Technician

Electric vehicles may be the best option for consumers who want to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. While lithium batteries have many benefits that have enabled electric vehicles to become a reality, they also have limitations that can make electric vehicles a poor choice for some consumers.

As battery technology continues to improve, electric vehicles will become a more practical option for Canadian drivers. This will put more electric vehicles on the roads and will increase the demand for skilled workers who know how to maintain and take care of these vehicles. The need for skilled EV technicians is expected to increase because these highly trained individuals play an important role in the maintenance and long-term performance of electric vehicles.

If you're seeking a career with long-term growth potential, becoming an EV technician allows you to work in a rapidly evolving industry. You can learn more about this new field and how technicians keep electric vehicles functioning with efficiency.

How can you get started? EV Technician Training allows you to earn a certificate as an EV Technician. To learn more about EV Technician Training, speak to a George Brown Polytechnic Program Coordinator today at 1-888-553-5333, or email us at [email protected].