A consortium of 16 partners met on June 12 and 13 in Donostia (San Sebastian) to launch the Horizon Europe project: SOLVE (SOLid-state battery development and production to driVE the future of electromobility).

Liquid electrolyte-based (LIB) lithium-ion batteries are considered the most established technology for transport electrification, and are likely to remain the preferred option for years to come. However, improvements in this technology are expected to slow progressively towards the end of the decade as they approach their theoretical energy density limits. It is therefore imperative to diversify the range of battery technologies on offer, as well as the materials used in their production, in order to strengthen Europe's industrial sovereignty in the field of batteries.

In this respect, policymakers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) see solid-state batteries (SSB) with Li metal anode (LiM-SSB, Gen4b) as the industry's next major step, due to their improved intrinsic safety, durability, potential for enhanced fast-charging capability and extended drivingrange thanks to higher energy density.

SOLVE aims to overcome the obstacles to the large-scale deployment of Gen4b solid-state batteries for mobility applications. Over the next 48 months, the project will be supported by a consortium of 16 stakeholders fromacross the batteryvalue chain, with a particular focus on:

• Produce high-performance, cost-effective and safe Gen4b (Li-metal and anode-free) solid-state batteries with a rated capacity of 20 Ah.
• Develop advanced materials and cell components with improved electrochemical performance and enhanced safety.
• Demonstrate highly sustainable circular manufacturing for selected advanced materials at Gigafactory scale, in line with EU battery regulation.
• Improve safety for representative 10-20 Ah cells and 0.25 kWh mini-modules for mobility applications.
• Disseminate results and create training activities contributing to the European battery landscape.

The project will be led by 16 organizations (companies, universities, research institutes, associations) from 8 European countries: CIDETEC Energy Storage (ES), SAFT (FR), Arkema (FR), Centro ricerche Fiat (IT), Pipistrel (SI), CEA (FR), Pulsedeon (FI), Accurec recycling (DE), Delfort (AT), Politecnico Di Torino (IT), Tampere korkeakoulusaati (FI), Fraunhofer Gesellschaft (DE), EMPA (CH), Oerlikon (CH), Lomartov (ES), Tenerrdis (FR)