China’s battery giants target EV and air taxi revolution with solid-state tech
China develops more than 60 percent of the world’s EVs as well as 80 percent of the batteries that power them.
Solid-state batteries have the potential to provide higher energy density while also being cheaper and safer than lithium-ion batteries.
The technology could improve electric vehicle performance and boost EV adoption, which has slowed down in the last year.
Last week, Chinese battery firm Ganfeng Lithium announced it had established a full-chain layout for solid-state batteries, a report from China Daily reveals. The new development reflects China’s ambitious plans to revolutionize electric transportation on the road and in the skies.
Ganfeng Lithium has reportedly achieved 420 Wh/kg energy density with its existing products. The firm also developed samples reaching 500 Wh/kg.
It isn’t the only firm in China pushing the boundaries of solid-state battery innovation. In May, battery manufacturer Gotion High-Tech also started the first road tests for its next-gen all-solid-state batteries. This came after the company completed China’s first fully localized 0.2 gigawatt-hour pilot line.
Gotion High-Tech also launched the G-Yuan battery, which has a 300-watt-hours-per-kilogram energy density. According to Gotion chief scientist Zhu Xingbao, this battery will boost range and performance for new flying taxis, EVs, and humanoid robots.
CATL, meanwhile, reported this month that its solid-state batteries can achieve an energy density of 500 Wh/kg. The company is developing an electric commercial passenger aircraft.