Beyond lithium: inside the Goliath battery revolution

The article features insights from Graeme Purdy, CEO and co-founder of Ilika, on the company’s flagship solid-state battery project, Goliath, which is poised to revolutionize electric vehicle (EV) energy storage. Solid-state batteries offer significant advantages over traditional lithium-ion cells, including higher energy and power density, intrinsic safety, and faster charging. Purdy highlights that these batteries are safer, passing rigorous tests like the nail penetration test without catching fire, which reduces the need for heavy protective engineering and thus lowers vehicle weight and cost while increasing range. Contrary to common perceptions, Purdy asserts that solid-state batteries can be cost-competitive due to cheaper materials and more energy-efficient manufacturing processes, potentially saving thousands on battery pack costs and narrowing the price gap between EVs and internal combustion engine vehicles. Looking ahead, Purdy is optimistic that solid-state batteries will enter low-volume production within a few years and become dominant in the EV market within five years. He acknowledges China’s dominant role in EV