Hyundai supplier Ganfeng begins production of semi-solid-state batteries

Ganfeng has long been one of the world’s largest lithium processors and supplies companies such as Hyundai and Changan. In recent years, however, the company has increasingly invested in its own battery production. It now aims to shift its focus towards semi-solid-state and full solid-state batteries.

In this forward-looking segment, Ganfeng has made significant progress. Chinese media report that the company announced the start of series production of semi-solid-state batteries at the 3rd Chinese Innovation and Development Forum for Solid-State Batteries in Beijing. These batteries feature a stress-free anode made of lithium alloy combined with a sulphur cathode. They exhibit a volume expansion of 3 to 5 percent during charging and discharging.

The cells also support 3C fast charging (theoretically enabling a full charge in 20 minutes) and demonstrate high heat resistance: the battery has passed tests at 250 °C and nail penetration tests without catching fire. The exothermic reaction—heat generated in the event of a defect is reportedly 90 per cent lower than that of pure lithium.

The semi-solid-state battery boasts an energy density of 650 Wh/kg, approximately two to three times higher than that of traction batteries currently used in most electric vehicles. Such a high energy density could significantly reduce vehicle weight while maintaining the same battery capacity and range.

According to the report, however, initial applications are not planned for the automotive sector. Instead, they are likely to focus on robotics and electric aviation. Conventional batteries are often too heavy for aircraft, but batteries with such high energy density would be significantly lighter and could be used in both conventional take-off and landing electric aircraft and vertical take-off air taxis (eVTOLs).

At the conference in Beijing, Ganfeng also stated that its semi-solid-state batteries will support the company’s development of pure solid-state batteries with lithium alloy anodes. The company has already reached the prototype production stage for these batteries.

carnewschina.com, autohome.com.cn (in Chinese)