‘It’s not going to explode’: Solid-state batteries could reduce EV fire risk

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to proliferate, safety concerns regarding battery fires have remained a significant issue. A recent incident involving a Tesla semitruck battery fire, which shut down a major highway for 16 hours as first responders worked to extinguish the blaze, highlights the ongoing challenges in managing these hazardous situations.

However, a potential solution is emerging in the form of solid-state batteries, a technology that promises to enhance safety while improving the overall performance of EVs. Mullen Automotive, a company at the forefront of this innovation, is poised to introduce a solid-state polymer battery that could shake up the industry.

“You could take our solid-state polymer cell, submerge it in fresh water, salt water — nothing happens,” David Michery, chairman of Mullen Automotive, told Straight Arrow News. “It’s not going to explode. You could take a gun and shoot a bullet through it. It doesn’t do anything.”

Mullen Automotive has been developing the next generation of commercial electric vehicles, which will be available with their solid-state polymer batteries starting in 2025. These batteries are not only expected to reduce the risk of hazardous fires but also nearly double the range of Mullen’s EVs.

Solid-state batteries have been a long-awaited advancement in the EV industry due to their higher energy density, faster charge times and enhanced safety features. Experts have predicted that this technology won’t become mainstream until around 2030. However, Mullen aims to accelerate this timeline, with plans to have their battery design ready for use by the second half of 2025.

“We will have that pack fully certified by the U.S. government for inclusion and sale in our vehicles and other people’s vehicles by next year,” Michery confirmed. “That is three years ahead of Toyota, who said that they’re not going to have a solid-state solution for at least until 2027.”

Despite the promise of solid-state batteries, one major hurdle remains: cost. A study by PR Newswire found that solid-state batteries could be four to eight times more expensive to produce than current battery systems. However, Mullen claims that its development costs have been significantly lower than competitors’, potentially making their technology more accessible sooner than expected.

“A lot of people didn’t believe us when we came out three years ago and said, ‘Hey we’re developing solid-state technology,'” Michery said. “And the argument was why is Mullen, a small company, able to do it when a big, gigantic company with hundreds of billions of dollars can’t? Money doesn’t necessarily mean you can develop something. A lot of it has to do with what you have between your ears.”

Looking ahead, Mullen has expressed an openness to collaborating with other automakers to make their solid-state batteries compatible with a range of EVs from different brands. The company anticipates widespread demand for this safer, more efficient alternative to traditional batteries.

“The customers will be anyone who wants a much denser, more reliable and cost-effective alternative to traditional, dangerous batteries,” Michery said.