In 2026, solid-state batteries have moved from the “research phase” into the “mass-production planning phase.” Leading battery manufacturers are targeting mass-production launches around 2027, with automakers planning EV rollouts on a similar timeline. In China, material mass-production lines have also begun operating since the second half of 2026. For anode material suppliers and black mass recycling companies, the question is no longer “if this will happen” but “how to prepare for it.”

1. Roadmap to Mass Production

2. Anode-less Structures and Their Impact on Anode Materials

The “anode-less” structure adopted by some battery manufacturers forms the anode by depositing lithium metal onto the current collector during charging, without using graphite. If mass production expands, demand — currently centered on graphite — could partially shift toward high-purity lithium metal.

3. Market Size: Fast Growth, Still Small

The solid-state battery market represents only about 0.1% of the overall EV battery market, and roughly 1/24th of the graphite anode material market — indicating that graphite-based anodes will likely remain dominant for several more years.

4. New Challenges for Recycling

Solid electrolytes and lithium-metal anodes behave differently from current cells during disassembly and black mass processing, meaning existing processes cannot necessarily be applied as-is.

• Electrolyte: Non-flammable, but new considerations are needed for moisture and atmospheric exposure
• Lithium-metal anode: Highly reactive, requiring a review of pre-treatment processes
• Lithium recovery: Recovery from ceramic-matrix materials is still developing and may be cost-prohibitive

Summary

Solid-state batteries have entered the mass-production planning phase, but in terms of market size, graphite-based anodes remain dominant. Dainen Materials will continue to monitor this shift and prepare so that our partners can adapt to this structural transformation.