GAC builds solid-state battery cells with 60 Ah for small-series tests

The GAC Group has commissioned a facility for the production of solid-state batteries. According to Chairman Feng Xingya, it is currently producing small batches of "automotive-grade solid-state cells with capacities above 60 Ah". The company plans mass production for 2027-2030.

As reported by the portal Gasgoo, citing GAC Chairman Feng Xingya, the Chinese automaker has started pilot production of solid-state battery cells. Speaking at Auto Guangzhou, Feng described this milestone as a significant step toward deploying solid-state batteries—initially at GAC and in small-scale series production to validate their performance under real-world conditions. In other words: specifically in vehicles.

According to Gasgoo, GAC has been researching solid-state battery technology since 2016, focusing initially on polymer-based systems. The company is now also developing sulfide-based solid-state battery cells. Which of these two technological routes will ultimately lead to small-series production is not specified. However, Gasgoo notes that GAC uses an anode made of “sponge silicon”, a material blend based on nano-silicon composite materials. The company aims to manufacture these anodes using a dry process. At the pack level, the new technology is expected to enable energy densities of 400 Wh/kg for ranges of up to 1,000 kilometres in the Chinese test cycle.

Integration tests in small vehicle series are planned for 2026, with GAC anticipating a gradual ramp-up to mass production “between 2027 and 2030.” It is worth noting that, as early as April 2024, the group announced plans to apply solid-state batteries from 2026 in production vehicles of the Hyper brand under GAC Aion. Hyper is a premium brand launched in September 2022.

In China and internationally, several major players are now nearing the commercialisation of solid-state batteries. Recent reports indicate that SAIC partner Qingtao Power has commissioned a new production line for pure solid-state batteries in Anting, China. Meanwhile, Chery also recently unveiled a solid-state battery module and plans to deploy it in pilot vehicles next year. Sunwoda, BYD, CATL, and others are also active in this field, with CATL – still the undisputed market leader – recently stating that despite continuous R&D investment, mass production of solid-state batteries should not be expected before around 2030.

carnewschina.com, autonews.gasgoo.com

This article was first published by Cora Werwitzke for electrive’s German edition.