SAIC partner Qingtao produces solid-state batteries in Anting
According to SAIC Motor, Qingtao Power will have initial sample cells rolling off the line before the end of this year. Prototype vehicles equipped with solid-state battery cells will be tested next year, before commercial production is expected to begin in 2027. In earlier official statements, SAIC had already cited the targeted performance data of the cells as a gravimetric energy density of 400 Wh/kg, a volumetric energy density of 820 Wh/L and a capacity of 75 Ah per cell.
SAIC intends to take the lead on semi-solid and solid-state batteries – and has been working on the technology for years. The carmaker even has its first such product in series production: SAIC’s MG Motor brand officially launched a variant of the MG4 with a semi-solid-state battery in September. This battery also comes from Qingtao. According to Chinese media, the two companies are closely linked, with SAIC said to have invested in its partner and a joint development laboratory in operation.
Within China, but also internationally, several major players are now approaching the commercialisation of solid-state batteries. The GAC Group, for example, is already producing small quantities of solid-state batteries on a first production line and, according to a recent report, expects mass production between 2027 and 2030. Chery has also recently presented a solid-state battery module and aims to deploy it in pilot vehicles next year. Sunwoda, BYD, CATL and others are also working on the technology, with market leader CATL recently stating that despite continuous R&D investment, no mass production of solid-state batteries should be expected before around 2030.
This article was first published by Cora Werwitzke for electrive’s German edition.
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