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 mechanisms. Many advanced designs rely on lithium-metal anodes to achieve superior energy density, yet lithium metal is highly reactive and can generate extreme heat under abuse conditions. In addition, the belief that solid electrolytes fully block lithium dendrite growth has been increasingly challenged; micro-cracks, grain boundaries, and manufacturing imperfections can still provide pathways for dendrites, leading to internal short circuits. Safety trade-offs are further intensified by the use of high-nickel cathodes and aggressive cell architectures aimed at maximizing range. Against this backdrop, China’s new battery safety regulations—often summarized in public discourse as “no fire, no explosion”—have unintentionally reinforced the myth of absolute safety, even though these standards do not guarantee that any battery chemistry is immune to failure.

The emerging consensus among experts is that solid-state batteries should be seen not as a miracle cure, but as an important evolutionary step that can enhance safety when paired with robust engineering and realistic expectations. Their true advantage lies in expanding the safety window, not in eliminating risk altogether. Over the next decade, solid-state batteries are therefore more likely to coexist with conventional lithium-ion technologies rather than replace them overnight, finding early adoption in niche or high-value applications. Ultimately, long-term success will depend less on bold marketing claims and more on evidence-based design, rigorous testing, and transparent communication about what solid-state batteries can—and cannot—deliver.