Solid-state batteries still aren’t ready, but gels are

Article excerpt

Solid-state batteries, long promised as the next breakthrough in energy storage, still aren't commercially viable, but gel-based alternatives are emerging as a near-term solution. The article traces how lithium-ion technology dominates today's devices despite well-documented safety risks, from e-bike fires to mid-flight power bank explosions. While solid-state batteries offer theoretical advantages in energy density and safety, manufacturers haven't overcome manufacturing challenges and cost barriers. Gel batteries, sitting between conventional lithium-ion and solid-state designs, could arrive sooner and address some safety concerns without requiring complete industry retooling.