China Pushes Solid-State Batteries Amid Metal Demand Uncertainty

China Accelerates Solid-State Battery Development

Chinese EV and battery manufacturers are pushing solid-state battery technologies, which may drive future nickel and lithium demand. Beijing Easpring Material Technology recently began delivering over 20 tons per order of cathode materials for all-solid-state batteries. These include ultra-high nickel multi-element materials and lithium-rich manganese-based materials. Easpring’s high-nickel cathodes achieve energy densities above 400Wh/kg, approaching the performance of conventional liquid batteries.

Easpring produced 73,133 tons of cathode active materials in H1 2025, more than double the 35,955 tons produced a year earlier. In Q3, it shipped over 15,000 tons of multi-element cathodes and 23,000 tons of lithium iron phosphate. The company is also building a cathode plant in Kotka, Finland, with a planned lithium hydroxide supply agreement from AMG Lithium.

Solid-State Batteries and Metal Market Implications

Solid-state batteries offer higher energy density, longer lifecycle, and enhanced safety compared with traditional lithium-ion batteries. Chery unveiled its Rhino S battery module with 600Wh/kg energy density, supporting a 1,200km driving range, while Sunwoda tested its “Xin·Bixiao” polymer battery at 400Wh/kg.

These advancements may increase demand for nickel and lithium metals. Nickel suppliers, facing oversupply in ternary batteries, could find new opportunities. Lithium metal will replace graphite anodes in many designs, boosting energy density further. However, mass production of solid-state batteries may not scale until around 2030, due to technical and cost barriers.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

China’s push for solid-state batteries highlights potential long-term growth in nickel and lithium markets. Easpring and other manufacturers are expanding production and exploring European partnerships, signaling strategic moves in global supply chains. While mass adoption remains uncertain, early investments position suppliers and EV makers to capitalize once technical hurdles and costs decrease. The next decade may see solid-state batteries reshape EV performance and the critical metals landscape.