'Industry first' semi-solid-state EV battery installed by Chinese firm

China’s state-owned FAW Group announced a significant advancement in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology by installing what it calls the “industry’s first” lithium-rich manganese semi-solid-state battery in a vehicle. Developed in collaboration with China Automotive New Energy Battery Technology Co Ltd and Nankai University, this battery achieves an energy density exceeding 500 watt-hours per kilogram and a total pack capacity of 142 kilowatt-hours. This enables a CLTC-rated driving range of over 1,000 kilometers (about 620 miles), marking a notable improvement over conventional lithium-ion batteries in terms of range, energy density, and safety. Solid-state batteries, which replace the liquid electrolyte in traditional lithium-ion cells with a solid or semi-solid material, are considered a breakthrough for EVs because they promise faster charging, enhanced safety, and longer driving ranges. Despite challenges in scaling production and material stability, recent progress by Chinese automakers like FAW, SAIC Motor, and Dongfeng Motor indicates accelerating commercialization efforts.