BYD’s game-changing move: secures lithium mines and sets sight on solid-state batteries by 2027.
In a bold stride toward dominating the global electric vehicle (EV) market, China’s BYD has clinched lithium mining rights in Brazil and revealed advancements in solid-state battery technology, eyeing a revolutionary shift in EV production by 2027.
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Strategic lithium acquisition in Brazil
BYD, already the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, has expanded its resource acquisition strategy by securing rights to mine lithium on two plots of land in Brazil. These plots, spanning a combined area of 852 hectares, are nestled in the heart of Brazil’s “Lithium Valley” in the municipality of Coronel Murta, Minas Gerais. This region is renowned for its rich lithium deposits, a critical component for battery manufacturing.
Proximity to production: a logistical advantage
The mining sites’ strategic location, approximately 512 miles from BYD’s upcoming EV factory in Bahia state, Brazil, positions BYD advantageously. This proximity is expected to streamline the supply chain, reducing costs and enhancing production efficiency for BYD, which plans to churn out 150,000 electric vehicles annually from this new factory.
Vertical integration: controlling the supply chain
BYD’s move is emblematic of a broader industry trend toward vertical integration, where companies control the production process from raw materials to finished products. BYD is not new to this approach, having previously engaged in lithium mining within China and pursued lithium projects in Chile. This latest venture in Brazil further solidifies its commitment to controlling critical elements of the EV supply chain.
Breakthrough in solid-state battery technology
Parallel to its mining endeavors, BYD has made significant headway in solid-state battery technology, a development poised to transform the EV landscape. At a recent summit in China, Sun Huajun, Chief Technology Officer of Shenzhen BYD Lithium Battery, announced the successful production of 60Ah all-solid-state batteries from a pilot line.
Timeline for innovation: from pilot to production
BYD plans to commence mass demonstrations and installations of these batteries around 2027, with ambitions for large-scale commercialization slated for the early 2030s. Solid-state batteries are heralded for their superior energy density, safety, and longevity compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, promising to enhance the efficiency and appeal of electric vehicles significantly.
Industry-wide implications and collaborative efforts
BYD’s advancements are part of a larger wave of innovation across the industry. Companies like Hyundai and U.S.-based Anthro Energy are also making strides in solid-state battery technology, each contributing to a rapidly evolving marketplace. Hyundai plans to integrate these batteries into its EVs by 2025, while Anthro Energy is developing an innovative battery with a transformable electrolyte.
China challenges U.S. Influence in Latin America with lithium play
BYD’s lithium acquisition in Brazil marks more than just a corporate expansion—it signals China’s growing foothold in a region traditionally dominated by U.S. influence. As lithium becomes an increasingly strategic resource, crucial for energy security and technological supremacy, China’s presence in Brazil could escalate tensions between the two superpowers. Washington has long considered Latin America within its sphere of influence, and Beijing’s latest move disrupts this geopolitical balance. With global demand for lithium surging, this deal could spark concerns in Washington over China tightening its grip on critical mineral supplies, adding a new dimension to the already complex U.S.-China rivalry.
This surge in technological advancements and strategic resource management by BYD and its peers signals a transformative era in electric vehicle production, emphasizing efficiency, sustainability, and performance. As these technologies mature, they are set to redefine mobility, underscoring a significant shift towards more sustainable and advanced transportation solutions.
Source: https://carnewschina.com/2025/02/15/byd-will-start-mass-installation-of-all-solid-state-batteries-around-2027-company-cto-says/
