Alleviating range anxiety: Solid-state batteries and extreme fast charging

Extreme fast charging (XFC) is one of the most direct means to improve the competitiveness of electric vehicles (EVs) against gasoline vehicles in terms of mileage covered per unit of time (including time to replenish power source). Solid-state batteries (SSBs) with high energy density are more capable of addressing the challenges of range anxiety and XFC safety than traditional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, inadequate interfacial contact, lithium intrusion, and high tortuosity of Li⁺/e^- transport limit the performance of SSBs at high current densities. In this review, we comprehensively explore the multi-layered mechanisms that restrict the XFC capability of SSBs and analyze possible attempts to enhance the acceptable charging current density. We also highlight the unique role of coupled strategies of state-of-the-art characterization techniques and numerical simulation, as well as intelligent charging protocols in addressing the XFC challenges for SSBs. In addition, we systematically summarise the latest achievements of battery companies in developing fast-charging SSBs. Finally, we present several potential strategies for the future development of fast-charging SSBs to alleviate range anxiety and realise the vision of EV ubiquity.