The “Solid-State Batteries Are Absolutely Safe” Myth
Solid-state batteries are often presented as the long-awaited breakthrough that will solve the safety problems of today’s lithium-ion batteries, promising higher energy density, faster charging, and—most appealingly—near-perfect safety. In recent years, this narrative has gained strong momentum, especially in China, where solid-state technology is frequently portrayed as a “fire-free” alternative that will eliminate thermal runaway and battery explosions altogether. However, growing voices from Chinese academia and industry warn that such absolute safety claims risk turning a promising technology into an overhyped one, creating unrealistic expectations among policymakers, manufacturers, and consumers alike. At the core of this debate lies the misconception that removing flammable liquid electrolytes automatically removes all fire and safety risks. While solid electrolytes can indeed improve thermal stability, solid-state batteries remain high-energy systems subject to complex failure m...