do solid-state batteries use less lithium

Short answer: not necessarily.

Most solid-state designs swap the graphite anode for lithium metal, which can actually increase the lithium per kWh, even though the pack gets smaller and lighter.

They often save weight and space by ditching bulky separators and liquid electrolyte, so you might need less total battery for the same range—yet the lithium content can be similar or higher.

Chemistry matters: a high-nickel cathode vs LFP, excess-lithium anodes, and manufacturing choices swing the ledger either way.

Until mass production settles on standard recipes, assume solid-state uses roughly the same or more lithium per kWh, but delivers better energy density and safety.