SOLIDBAT Partner Insights – RWTH Aachen University

• Why did you join the SOLIDBAT project?

The SOLIDBAT project addresses the critical challenges facing the automotive industry and climate change mitigation. By developing high-energy-density solid-state batteries (400 Wh/kg, 1000 Wh/L), SOLIDBAT seeks to enable battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that offer improved safety, longer range, and faster charging compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, by establishing SSB manufacturing in Europe, the project helps reduce Europe´s dependence on Asian battery production, strengthening the continent´s competitive position in the global battery market.

• Which innovative concept will be developed by RWTH within SOLIDBAT?

RWTH Aachen University works on the development of digital tools and models for material development and the design of cell parameters. RWTH is responsible for creating comprehensive modeling and simulation frameworks that enable researchers to design and optimize solid-state battery cells more efficiently. This includes developing physics-based models that can predict battery performance, guide material selection, and accelerate the development cycle.

• How may modelling contribute to speeding up the development of SSB technology?

Virtual modeling and simulation tools accelerate solid-state battery development by enabling efficient exploration of design configurations, material combinations, and operational parameters without costly laboratory experimentation. These tools help designers investigate complex interfacial behaviors, ion transport dynamics, and mechanical degradation—challenges particularly acute in solid-state batteries. By predicting battery performance early in development, modeling reduces time-to-market and enables simultaneous optimization of material properties and cell design parameters. This is especially valuable for solid-state batteries, where interactions between cathode, anode, and solid electrolyte remain complex and not fully understood.

• Would SSBs be a competitive alternative to lithium-ion by 2030?

While SSBs remain technically superior to lithium-ion batteries, achieving widespread competitiveness by 2030 represents an ambitious industry goal. Significant progress is underway, with pilot production facilities advancing rapidly. As production scales and costs decline, SSBs´ superior performance will drive their competitive positioning in premium automotive: higher energy density, faster charging, extended cycle life, and improved safety.

• How will your development contribute to the success of SOLIDBAT?

RWTH´s advanced digital modeling tools and materials design frameworks accelerate the identification and optimization of solid electrolyte materials and cell architectures.  By facilitating virtual battery system design and optimization, RWTH shortens development cycles and helps SOLIDBAT achieve its ambitious goal of demonstrating proof-of-concept at technology readiness level 6 (TRL6) by 2028. RWTH´s extensive expertise in battery modeling, diagnostics, and lifetime prediction from lithium-ion systems provides an essential foundation for solid-state battery development, ensuring innovations are grounded in deep technical understanding and best practices.