Weight saving but more expensive to make
These cells stabilize the anode, the battery’s charging side, which is a common weak point. This is seen as an intermediate step toward fully solid-state batteries (ASSB = All-Solid-State Battery).
Fully solid-state batteries are still challenging to mass-produce at a low cost, so semi-solid-state offers an earlier, partial solution. While the new cells have some impressive capabilities, they are currently around 10 to 30 times more expensive than standard lithium-ion batteries.
However, if scaled up and mass-produced, the costs could decrease significantly, especially with partnerships, such as those with major Chinese companies. If achievable, however, the new batteries should be able to save at least 200 pounds in weight over standard batteries.