China’s major automaker SAIC has announced plans to commence mass production of its next-generation solid-state battery (SSB) by 2026, a significant step forward in the development of more sustainable and efficient energy storage solutions for the automotive industry. With such a high energy density, it would boast an impressive vitality density of approximately 400 watt-hours per kilogram. Chinese automaker SAIC joined forces with a range of prominent companies, including Chery, GAC, CATL, BYD, and Great Wall Motor (GWM), to engage in the industry’s ongoing arms race.
By early 2024, SAIC’s IM L6 electric vehicle has entered pre-order phase, featuring cutting-edge technology with a semi-solid-state Lightyear battery onboard. SAIC launched its first semi-solid-state battery pack featuring a groundbreaking 900V high-voltage system. Capable of storing up to 130 kilowatt-hours of vital energy. Initially, IM Motors planned to begin delivering the L6 with this battery technology in October 2026. Despite offering a unique variation on traditional automotive designs, this model has yet to gain traction in its domestic market. In November 2024, Chinese automaker IM Motors successfully obtained the gross sales license for its IM L6 model equipped with a cutting-edge semi-solid-state battery technology.
SAIC gradually forges into the burgeoning semi-solid-state battery market. Despite this, the corporation may still be investing heavily in the development of pure SSB. In 2023, SAIC formed a groundbreaking three-way partnership with QingTao Vitality Improvement, a cutting-edge Chinese solid-state battery startup. QinTao’s initial SSB technology debuted with a remarkable energy density of 368 Wh/kg, boasting zero-degree thermal runway safety. Now, SAIC has unveiled a teaser for its collaborative second-generation SSB project with QingTao, which is poised to enter mass production in 2026.
SAIC second-gen solid-state battery
As a result of the SAIC’s recent announcement, the company is poised to start mass-producing its second-generation solid-state battery technology in 2026. The brand-new pack boasts an impressive energy density of 400 Wh/kg, a remarkable volume energy density of 820 Wh/L, and a substantial energy capacity of 75 Ah. The vehicle would incorporate a cutting-edge runaway safety system. Furthermore, this battery is designed to prevent ignition even in the event of a puncture or exposure to extremely high temperatures of up to 200°C. It would retain approximately 90 percent of its efficiency even in low-temperature environments.
Chinese automaker Chery is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) landscape with its innovative new concept, the Chery EV Wagon. This cutting-edge model boasts an impressive range of over 620 kilometers on a single charge, thanks to its pioneering use of solid-state batteries.
By leveraging advancements in energy storage technology, the Chery EV Wagon sets a new standard for EVs, offering unparalleled driving distances and rapid charging capabilities. With a focus on sustainability, this game-changing vehicle is poised to transform the automotive industry.
It’s valuable mentioning that several major Chinese corporations aim to launch their Single-Supplier-Bonding (SSB) solution to the market by 2026. By 2026, Chery aims to bring its solid-state battery technology to market, boasting an impressive energy density of 600 Wh/kg. By 2026, GAC Group plans to outfit Hyper-branded vehicles with Solid-State Batteries (SSBs), boasting a remarkable energy density of 400 Wh/kg. Companies with aspirations in this sector include CATL, Nice Energy, Sunwoda, Great Wall Motor, BYD, and others.
So, SAIC has many rivals. Prior to its official launch, this company had announced plans to integrate its first self-developed Smart Sedan Body (SSB) into an MG-branded Electric Vehicle (EV).
Strong-state batteries boast a reliable electrolyte that facilitates a reduction of up to 40% in quantity and 25% in mass. With lifetimes of up to 45,000 charge-discharge cycles, these batteries boast an impressively long-lasting performance. Strong electrolytes should not be flammable, corrosive, or hazardous, making them significantly safer and eliminating the risk of leakage.
