Solid electrolyte market is anticipated to grow at an exponential CAGR of 32.8% during the forecast period (2024-2031).A solid-state electrolyte is a non-liquid substance capable of conducting ions, commonly employed in batteries to replace conventional liquid electrolytes. This transition offers various benefits, including improved safety, increased energy density, faster charging, and extended lifespan. Solid-state electrolytes find applications across electric vehicles (EV), consumer electronics, energy storage systems, and medical devices, where they contribute to improved performance and safety standards.

Market Dynamics

Growing R&D activities in the solid electrolyte 

The expansion of R&D activities is contributing to the overall growth of the solid electrolyte market. Investments in technological advancements of solid-state battery technologies from both private and public organizations are driving progress in material science, resulting in improved solid electrolyte materials. These developments are expanding the application spectrum across various sectors such as EVs and consumer electronics, eventually driving the interest of market players to invest in R&D to gain a competitive edge. For instance, in August 2023, SK On, an EV battery manufacturer, announced the successful co-development of an advanced oxide-based solid electrolyte with higher lithium-ion conductivity. The jointly developed solid-state electrolyte, patented domestically and internationally, exhibits a 70% improvement in lithium-ion conductivity, reaching a world-leading level of 1.7 mS/cm. This innovation not only improves conductivity but also ensures air stability, marking a significant advancement in solid electrolyte technology.

Additionally, efforts to optimize manufacturing processes are increasing competitiveness against traditional lithium-ion batteries. Collaboration among stakeholders is fostering knowledge exchange, accelerating the adoption of solid electrolytes globally.

Growing demand for efficient energy storage solutions

The rising need for energy storage solutions drives demand for the solid electrolyte market. Solid-state batteries, which utilize solid electrolytes, offer superior performance and safety compared to traditional batteries. This demand is driven by various sectors, including grid-scale storage, micro grids, and residential applications, where compact and efficient energy storage solutions are important. As a result, the solid electrolyte market is experiencing growth driven by the increasing adoption of solid-state batteries in energy storage systems worldwide.

Additionally, growing investment in energy storage globally has further contributed to overall market growth. In 2022, worldwide investment in battery energy storage surpassed $20 billion, with a predominant focus on grid-scale deployment, accounting for over 65% of total spending. Following robust growth during this period, investment in battery energy storage is projected to reach a new peak, surpassing $35 billion in 2023. This trajectory is driven by ongoing projects in the pipeline and ambitious capacity targets established by governments.

Annual grid-scale battery storage additions, 2017-2022

Source: International Energy Agency (IEA)

Market Segmentation

Our in-depth analysis of the global solid electrolyte market includes the following segments by type and application:

• Based on type the market is sub-segmented into Inorganic Solid Electrolytes (ISEs), Composite Polymer Electrolytes (CPEs), and Solid Polymer Electrolytes (SPEs).

• Based on the application, the market is divided into automotive, consumer electronics, energy, and healthcare.

SPEs Hold the Highest Share in the Global Solid Electrolyte Market

Among the types, SPEs hold the largest share in the global solid electrolyte market due to their favorable combination of properties, including high ionic conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and compatibility with various electrode materials. These attributes make SPEs suitable for various applications, such as solid-state batteries for EVs and consumer electronics, driving their widespread adoption across industries. Additionally, ongoing R&D in SPEs is further expected to propel overall market growth. For instance, in June 2023, a Japanese research team created an all-solid-state rechargeable air battery (SSAB) of a redox-active organic negative electrode and a proton-conductive polymer electrolyte. Solid-state batteries, as opposed to the more popularly recognized lithium-ion batteries, use solid electrodes and solid electrolytes which eliminates various disadvantages of Li-ion batteries.

Automotive Industry Expansion is Driving Market Growth

In the automotive industry, the expansion of EVs is a key factor propelling the demand for the solid electrolyte market. With the automotive industry transitioning toward electric propulsion to meet environmental regulations, there is a growing need for advanced battery technologies. Solid-state batteries, utilizing solid electrolytes, offer improved safety and performance compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. This drives the demand for solid electrolytes, which are essential components in solid-state batteries powering EVs.  With growing demand, major automakers are also focusing on exploring the capabilities of solid electrodes to further improvements by adopting strategies such as collaboration, and R&D investments among others.

For instance, in October 2023, Toyota and Idemitsu collaborated on sulfide solid electrolyte battery technology. According to the company, the agreement between Idemitsu and Toyota aimed to establish a supply chain for mass-producing all-solid-state batteries for BEVs. The collaboration focuses on optimizing the production process of sulfide solid electrolytes, with attention to quality, cost, and lead times. Additionally, they plan to construct a large pilot facility to enable mass production. Toyota intends to develop all-solid-state batteries and incorporate them into BEVs, aiming for market launch by 2027-28.As EV adoption continues to rise globally, the demand for solid electrolytes is expected to grow in tandem, fostering further innovation in battery technology.

Regional Outlook

The global solid electrolyte market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). 

Asia Pacific Contributes Highest Share in Global Solid Electrolyte Market

• Asia-Pacific countries have a strong manufacturing base and infrastructure for electronics and battery production. This existing infrastructure allows for the scaling up of the production of solid electrolytes and solid-state batteries, further fueling market growth.

• The region hosts some major electronics manufacturers and consumer markets, comprising countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The rising demand for electronic gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearables is contributing to the requirement for solid electrolytes, particularly in advanced battery technologies such as solid-state batteries.

Global Solid Electrolyte Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

North American Solid Electrolyte market is Expected to Grow Significantly

Globally, North American solid electrolyte market is expected to grow significantly due to various pivotal factors. One of the key factors is the presence of well-established R&D infrastructure, including various academic institutions and corporations actively involved in advancing solid electrolyte technologies. This environment accelerates innovation in material technology and applications, providing North American entities with a competitive advantage as compared to the global market. Additionally, the presence of major players in industries like electronics and automotive within North America such as Quantum Scape contributes significantly to the demand for solid electrolytes, particularly in batteries and fuel cells. These sectors require high-performance materials characterized by safety, stability, and energy efficiency, qualities that solid electrolytes offer. Moreover, supportive governmental initiatives such as Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) which are aimed at promoting clean energy and sustainable technologies further strengthen the adoption of solid electrolytes in the region. Collectively, these factors establish North America's growth in the solid electrolyte market, with ongoing advancements and commercialization efforts sustaining its position.

Market Players Outlook

*Note: Major Players Sorted in No Particular Order.

The major companies serving the global solid electrolyte market include Addionics Ltd., Ampcera Inc., Blue Solutions S.A.S., and Empower Materials among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations and investing in increasing manufacturing capabilities and R&D to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in June 2023, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. Announced plans to boost production capacity at Plant 1, which launched in November 2021 and aims to complete small pilot facilities for solid electrolytes within fiscal 2024. This expansion is geared towards increasing the usage of all-solid-state lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. The company aims to provide a steady supply of solid electrolytes to car/battery manufacturers and other entities involved in developing all-solid-state batteries.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2023and forecast to 2031.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global solid electrolyte market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.