WeLion achieves 824 Wh/kg energy density in lab for solid-state battery
Like several other companies—such as Mercedes partner Factorial and VW partner Quantumscape—WeLion has also been conducting long-term research into solid-state batteries. These batteries use solid electrolytes between the cathode and anode instead of liquid electrolytes, which is expected to deliver significant improvements in range, charging times, and safety compared to conventional batteries.
WeLion, whose semi-solid-state batteries are already used by Nio, has now achieved a major milestone in its research. According to CEO Yu Huigen, the company has demonstrated a record energy density of 824 watt-hours per kilogramme (Wh/kg) in laboratory tests. “We expect to break the 1,000 Wh/kg barrier in the long term,” Yu added.
For comparison: conventional LFP cells typically achieve an energy density of 150 to 180 Wh/kg today. Other developers of solid-state batteries often target 350 to 500 Wh/kg. In other words, no one except WeLion is currently discussing energy densities above 800 Wh/kg—and certainly not above 1,000 Wh/kg. However, the company has not disclosed how it plans to maintain such a significant lead over the competition.
According to Car News China, Yu also acknowledged that cost factors—particularly the high price of raw materials in sulphide-based electrolyte systems—remain the biggest obstacle to mass commercialisation. “Initially, these batteries will be deployed in price-insensitive applications where safety is paramount,” Yu explained. Potential applications could include humanoid robots, for example.
WeLion has already established production facilities in Beijing, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shandong, with a current annual production capacity of 28.2 GWh, and plans to exceed 100 GWh. The company aims to begin mass-producing solid-state batteries by 2027 and is currently exploring an initial public offering (IPO). If successful, it would become the first pure solid-state battery company to go public in China.
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