Sumitomo Chemical is preparing to mass-produce a halide-based electrolyte for all-solid-state electric vehicles (EVs) batteries (SSBs), matching sulphide conductivity at lower manufacturing cost.

The Japanese company developed the material with Kyoto University and Tottori University, according to a Nikkei Asia report.

The electrolyte relies on halide elements such as chlorine, positioning it as an alternative to both sulphide- and oxide-based options.

Sulphide-based electrolytes have long been viewed as the stronger choice for EV use because of their ionic conductivity, a property that governs how quickly batteries can charge and discharge.

Sumitomo Chemical stated that it has fine-tuned the composition of its halide-based material to reach a similar level of conductivity, the report added.

The company added that production costs for the new material can be kept in line with those of mainstream, high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

This is because manufacturing does not call for the tight humidity controls that sulphide-based alternatives require.

Battery makers are also expected to be able to rely on their existing lithium-ion production lines and settings when working with the material.

All-solid-state batteries carry a lower risk of fire, withstand temperature fluctuations better and charge faster than batteries containing liquid components.

Their higher energy density is also expected to extend vehicle driving ranges.

Beyond EVs, Sumitomo Chemical said it sees scope for the material in other electronic devices where safety is a key requirement.

Clients are currently evaluating the product, and the company intends to set up mass production in Japan initially.

The move comes as several other Japanese firms pursue solid-state battery development.

Suzuki Motor entered the field by acquiring Kanadevia's all-solid-state lithium-ion battery business.

Nissan Motor is also developing solid-state batteries and says it has reached the required performance benchmarks in full-size prototypes, with commercialisation targeted for fiscal 2028.