How better batteries could reshape diesel-electric submarines

How could solid-state batteries affect future diesel-electric submarines?

They could extend submerged endurance, support stronger systems, save space, and make some air-independent power machinery less necessary.

Higher-capacity batteries could extend submerged endurance or supply more powerful systems for the same operating time. They could also free internal space by reducing the battery volume needed for a given task. Nuclear submarines might use improved batteries for backup power or very quiet movement. Japan's replacement of Stirling machinery with lithium batteries is offered as an existing example of reducing reliance on air-independent power. The case for replacing a fuel-cell system is left less clear because Stirling machinery still produces noise.