The long-term problematic availability of raw materials, a limited operating temperature range and poorly scalable manufacturing processes are disadvantages of today's lithium-ion batteries for the automotive sector, in addition to the well-known problems such as low energy density (and the resulting short range) and low charging speeds.

A solid-state battery technology recently patented by Fisker is intended to enable the mass production of three-dimensional solid-state electrodes with a surface area twenty-five times larger than that of thin-film solid-state electrodes and outstanding electronic and ionic conductivity.

This should enable unprecedented fast charging, a record-breaking range and operation at low temperatures. The energy density of the new batteries is two and a half times that of typical lithium-ion batteries, while their cost around 2020 will be two thirds lower than the price expected for lithium-ion batteries at that time thanks to improved manufacturing processes and materials.

The new manufacturing process addresses known problems of today's solid-state batteries, such as low ion mobility and high contact resistance. According to Fisker, the technology should be ready for use in automotive applications in 2023 and will then allow fast charging with a range of 800 km in just one minute. The new manufacturing process also allows the voltage and form factor of the batteries to be flexibly adapted.

Fisker has not yet commented on the question of what extensive upgrades to the power grids will be necessary in order to be able to reliably deliver such charging capacities. The long period of time until the technology is ready for use in cars in 2023 can be explained by the lack of production facilities, raw material supply chains and quality assurance processes. As soon as these are established, the reliable production of batteries with a range of 800 km that can be charged in one minute can be expected.

Fisker is in talks with manufacturers from various industries and is looking for partnerships so that the batteries could be used in non-automotive products long before 2023.