Breakthrough lithium metal EV battery promises 800 km driving range with 12 minute charging as researchers eye a new growth cycle for the global market

The EV industry may be approaching a tipping point as scientists from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), working with LG Energy Solution, have unveiled a lithium-metal battery that combines ultra-long range, lightning-fast charging and impressive durability. In early tests, the cell enabled an electric vehicle to cover up to 800 kilometres on a single charge while recharging from 5% to 70% in just 12 minutes.

The key lies in a newly developed electrolyte that distributes lithium ions evenly and prevents dendrite formation, a long-standing hurdle in lithium-metal technology. By tackling this issue, researchers have achieved stable performance across repeated charge cycles with an estimated lifespan of more than 300,000 kilometres. The achievement directly addresses three consumer pain points that have slowed EV adoption: range anxiety, charging delays and battery longevity.

If scaled for commercial production, the “800 kilometres in 12 minutes” benchmark could become as iconic as the phrase “zero emissions.” Industry analysts believe it could redefine global expectations for EVs, turning high performance and convenience into standard features rather than premium options. The development also reinforces Asia-Pacific’s role as the centre of innovation, with China, Japan and South Korea leading commercialisation efforts thanks to strong policies and advanced supply chains.

The timing is significant. According to MarketsandMarkets, the global EV battery market is expected to grow from USD 91.93 billion in 2024 to more than USD 251 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of nearly 10%. Breakthroughs in lithium-metal and solid-state batteries are expected to drive this surge, enabling not just incremental improvements but transformative gains that could set off a new growth cycle for the industry.

Challenges remain around raw material sourcing, large-scale manufacturability and rigorous safety validation. But the direction is clear: the latest lithium-metal breakthrough signals more than a technological advance. It marks the start of a phase where technology, consumer demand and market forces converge to accelerate EV adoption worldwide. For automakers and suppliers alike, the race will be to turn lab-tested science into mass-produced solutions that can reshape the competitive landscape.