SAIC develops solid-state batteries with a range of over 1,000 kilometers, and will be mass-produced and installed in vehicles next year

On July 6, SAIC Group signed a contract with Qingtao (Kunshan) Energy Development Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Qingtao Energy"), and the SAIC Qingtao "Solid-State Battery Joint Laboratory" was unveiled.

Image source: SAIC Motor

The two parties will focus on key projects such as mass production and application of long-range solid-state power batteries with a range of more than 1,000 kilometers, 4C fast charging technology for solid-state power batteries, development of high-safety and long-life solid-state power batteries, and development of high-efficiency solid-state power battery integration technology, and work together to promote the accelerated mass production of solid-state battery technology.

According to the plan, the solid-state power battery with a long range of more than 1,000 kilometers jointly developed by the two parties will be first applied to SAIC's new models of its own brand next year.

Data shows that Qingtao Energy is the leader in the industrialization of solid-state lithium batteries in China. It has taken the lead in realizing the industrialization of solid-state lithium batteries, built the first solid-state lithium battery production line in China, and established a complete independent intellectual property system. Through continuous improvement of its industrial layout, Qingtao Energy has now established a complete industrial ecological chain of "new energy materials - solid-state lithium batteries - automation equipment - comprehensive utilization of lithium battery resources - incubation of scientific research results - industrial investment".

Solid-state batteries are recognized as the next generation of power battery technology. Compared with traditional liquid batteries, solid-state lithium batteries are safer, have greater energy density, longer battery life, and a wider range of applications. Currently, global power battery and automobile giants including Panasonic, LG Chem, Toyota, BMW, and Volkswagen are all deploying solid-state batteries.

SAIC Group participated in Qingtao Energy's E+ and F++ rounds of financing in June 2020 and January 2022, respectively. This time, it established a joint laboratory with Qingtao New Energy and plans to apply solid-state batteries to its own battery system, which means that its layout of solid-state batteries will be implemented in stages.