Chethana Janith, Jadetimes Staff
C. Janith is a Jadetimes news reporter covering science and geopolitics.
Increasing EV sales continue to drive up global battery demand, prompting auto giants to team up with major cell manufacturers on the road to full electrification.
Silicon anodes are emerging as frontrunners in the race to develop next-generation batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), offering the potential for improved power output and faster charging capabilities.
In recent months, the spotlight has shifted toward silicon-based anodes as excitement around solid-state batteries seems to have waned. This shift comes amid a surge in global battery demand, fueled by the rapid growth of EV sales. In response, automakers are forging partnerships with major battery manufacturers to accelerate their journey toward full electrification.
While some manufacturers have aligned with solid-state battery developers, automakers like Mercedes, Porsche, and GM are placing significant bets on silicon anodes to revolutionize EV battery technology.
A report by consultancy IDTechEx highlights the "immense" potential of advanced silicon anode materials to enhance key areas of battery performance. However, it also cautions that challenges, including cycle life, shelf life, and cost, must be addressed for widespread adoption.
According to Venkat Srinivasan, director of the Collaborative Center for Energy Storage Science at the Argonne National Laboratory, silicon anodes currently have the upper hand over solid-state batteries.
“If there’s a horse race, silicon does seem to be ahead at least at this moment, but we haven’t commercialized either one of them,” Srinivasan said.
Five years ago, silicon-anode batteries had a calendar life of roughly one year, but recent advancements have shown significant improvement. Tests now indicate a projected calendar life of three to four years.
Calendar life, distinct from cycle life, measures a battery’s ability to retain its performance over time, even when not in use. It typically refers to the period during which a battery can maintain at least 80% of its initial capacity.
Solid-state batteries, once hailed as the ultimate solution for sustainable driving, still face hurdles before achieving the recent progress seen with silicon anodes.
“The transition to solid-state technology still needs to happen, especially with their metal batteries, and that’s why some are saying the promise hasn’t fully materialized,” Srinivasan noted. “That doesn’t mean we won’t get there, it might just take a few more years. For now, silicon seems to be further along in terms of technology readiness.”
Silicon anodes vs. solid-state batteries
Analysts highlight that silicon anodes theoretically offer up to 10 times the energy density of graphite, the material commonly used in current battery anodes. However, extensive use of silicon often leads to rapid degradation.
“Silicon anodes and solid-state batteries represent two key technology trends in the EV battery market, aiming to push the limits of high-performance battery cells,” said Rory McNulty, senior research analyst at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.
Typically, improvements in battery performance come at the expense of longevity or safety, McNulty explained. For instance, silicon anodes are known to expand significantly during charging, which reduces their lifespan.
In contrast, solid-state batteries are said to improve the stability of the electrolyte when paired with high-performance electrode materials, addressing challenges associated with high-energy-density materials like silicon and lithium.
Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries feature a solid electrolyte made from materials like ceramics.
Battery raw materials analyst at Fastmarkets
Japan’s Toyota and Nissan have both said they are aiming to bring solid-state batteries into mass production over the coming years, while China’s SAIC Motor Corp reportedly said in early September that its MG brand would equip cars with solid-state batteries within the next 12 months.
Nonetheless, analysts remain skeptical about when solid-state batteries will actually make it to market.
A Strategic Opportunity?
“Silicon-based anodes represent a promising next-generation technology, offering a solution for faster charging,” said Georgi Georgiev, a battery raw materials analyst at consultancy Fastmarkets.
Georgiev noted that numerous industry players are exploring silicon anode technology, from established suppliers in China and South Korea to emerging innovators like Taiwan’s ProLogium and U.S. manufacturers Group14 and Sila Nanotechnologies.
“In the West, advancements in silicon anodes are viewed as a strategic opportunity to compete with China, which dominates graphite-based anode supply chains, with Chinese producers controlling 98% of the global anode market,” Georgiev explained.
However, challenges remain. “Moving to 100% silicon anodes presents significant hurdles, such as silicon expansion impacting battery longevity. There are currently several methods being explored to produce silicon anodes,” he added.
Taiwanese company ProLogium recently unveiled the world’s first fully silicon anode battery at the Paris Motor Show, claiming its innovative fast-charging system outperforms traditional lithium-ion batteries in both efficiency and performance while addressing key industry challenges.
According to test data, ProLogium’s 100% silicon anode battery can charge from 5% to 60% in just 5 minutes and reach 80% in 8.5 minutes. The company described this as a groundbreaking achievement that reduces charging times and extends EV range, positioning it as a competitive edge in the EV market.
Despite this progress, Georgiev emphasized that the cost of production remains a key obstacle. “The question is whether major silicon-anode producers can deliver material at scale with consistent quality and competitive pricing—critical requirements for OEMs,” he said.
“At present, silicon anodes are mainly used as additives to graphite-based anodes. Over the coming years, we expect the silicon share in anodes to increase, but likely in combination with graphite. Fully 100% silicon anodes will take longer to reach mass-market adoption,” Georgiev concluded.
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