Expected like the messiah, the solid-state battery has never been so close to arriving in our electric cars. Despite still some uncertainties on this subject, the SAIC group, which owns MG, plans to launch its first large-scale solid-state battery within about a year.
One of the largest Chinese automobile manufacturers, SAIC, recently unveiled a project that is ambitious to say the least, and which all players in the world of electric cars envy: mass production of the second generation of solid electrolyte batteries (SSB) from 2026.
With an energy density of 400 Wh/kg, this new battery is part of the frantic race between Chinese manufacturers, alongside Chery, GAC, CATL, BYD, GWM and other big names in the industry. For European brands, you will have to be a little more patient.
What is a solid-state battery?
Chez Superchargedwe regularly talk to you about this battery announced as revolutionary. The solid-state battery uses a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte, as in conventional lithium-ion batteries. This offers several advantages, including increased security, higher energy density (therefore greater autonomy), and reduced charging time. We can expect ranges close to 1,000 km in the WLTP cycle.
These batteries are also more durable and can potentially have a longer lifespan, while requiring fewer rare metals.
However, the production of solid-state batteries remains expensive, and there are technical challenges to overcome, particularly in manufacturing them on a large scale and ensuring their reliability. Despite this, many companies are investing in this technology, with the hope of launching vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries in the coming years.
After the price war, the battery war in China?
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And one of the first companies to draw could be SAIC. In April 2024, the Chinese firm took an important step in the field of semi-solid batteries by launching the pre-sale of the new IM L6, equipped with a semi-solid battery. It is the first semi-solid battery with a 900V high voltage system.
And things continue to move forward, because this November, IM Motors, supported by SAIC, officially applied for a sales license for this model. This vehicle is expected in Europe for next year, if the schedule does not change by then. It remains to be seen whether it will be equipped with this battery in our market. Contacted on this subject, MG Motor was unable to confirm this information.
In addition to its foray into semi-solid-state batteries, SAIC is investing heavily in the research and development of solid-state batteries. In 2023, the company created a joint venture with the Chinese start-up QingTao Energy Development, specializing in solid-state batteries.
The first generation of QingTao SSBs, with an energy density of 368 Wh/kg, was already particularly interesting with remarkable figures. Now, SAIC and QingTao are focusing on the second generation of solid-state battery, which will be produced on a large scale in 2026.
SAIC’s new solid-state battery, planned for 2026, promises to be a leap forward in performance and safety. With an energy density of 400 Wh/kg and a volumetric density of 820 Wh/L, this battery will offer a capacity of 75 Ah. In terms of safety, it will be equipped with protection against the risk of overheating and will not ignite, even in the event of puncture or exposure to high temperatures of 200°C.
In addition, it will maintain 90% of its performance in low temperature conditions, an advantage in countries with cold climates, such as in Norway for example, where electric cars now represent more than 90% of new car sales.
Competition is intensifying in the solid-state battery market
Interest in solid-state batteries is not limited to SAIC. Indeed, a large number of Chinese companies are looking to launch their own solutions by 2026.
Chery plans to market a solid battery with an impressive energy density of 600 Wh/kg, while the GAC group wants to equip its Hyper brand cars with solid batteries of 400 Wh/kg. Companies such as CATL, Great Power, Sunwoda, GWM and BYD are also working on similar technologies.
With the announcement of this second generation of solid-state batteries, SAIC confirms its ambition to become a leader in battery technology in China.
The company has already indicated that it will install its first in-house developed solid-state battery on an MG brand electric car model.
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