Top 10 Leading Companies in China’s Solid-State Battery Industry

Solid-state batteries are poised to revolutionize energy storage, offering higher energy density, improved safety, and longer lifespans compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. By replacing liquid electrolytes with solid ones, these batteries reduce fire risks, enable faster charging, and support extended electric vehicle (EV) ranges. China, a global leader in battery technology, is driving this innovation with significant investments and government-backed initiatives like the China All-Solid-State Battery Collaborative Innovation Platform (CASIP). This article explores the top 10 Chinese companies leading the solid-state battery industry, detailing their progress, technological advancements, and competitive advantages.

CATL (宁德时代)

Progress: Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), the world’s largest lithium-ion battery manufacturer, is a key player in solid-state battery development. CATL plans to commence small-scale production of all-solid-state batteries by 2027, with mass production targeted for 2030. In 2021, CATL held a 32.6% market share in lithium-ion batteries for EVs, producing 96.7 GWh, a 167.5% year-on-year increase. The company is part of CASIP, collaborating with other industry leaders to advance solid-state technology.

Advantages:

• Market Leadership: CATL’s dominance in lithium-ion batteries provides a strong foundation for solid-state innovation.
• R&D Investment: Significant resources dedicated to developing high-energy-density, safe batteries.
• Scalability: Plans to achieve manufacturing capacities of over 500 GWh by 2025 and 800 GWh by 2030.

Talent New Energy (太蓝新能源)

Progress: Tianlong New Energy, also known as Talent New Energy, has achieved a significant breakthrough with its separator-free solid-state battery, boasting an energy density of 720 Wh/kg, one of the highest reported. Developed in collaboration with Changan Automobile, this battery uses a composite solid electrolyte layer to replace traditional separators, achieving ionic conductivity greater than 1.5 mS/cm. Tianlong plans to integrate these batteries into vehicles by 2027, with safety tests showing resilience to extreme conditions like 500°C temperatures and 60% deformation without fire or explosion.

Advantages:

• High Energy Density: 720 Wh/kg enables longer EV ranges.
• Innovative Design: Separator-free technology reduces costs and simplifies manufacturing.
• Robust Safety: Passes rigorous safety tests, enhancing reliability.

Qingtao Energy (清陶能源)

Progress: Qingtao Energy, founded in 2016 and led by a team from Tsinghua University, has developed a first-generation solid-state battery with an energy density of 368 Wh/kg, which has passed national safety certifications. In partnership with SAIC Motor, Qingtao’s batteries have achieved a range of 1,083 km in test vehicles. The company plans to mass-produce second-generation solid-state batteries with 400 Wh/kg energy density by 2026, using an oxide + halide + polymer technology route.

Advantages:

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with SAIC Motor accelerates commercialization.
• High Performance: 368 Wh/kg with plans for 400 Wh/kg, supporting long-range EVs.
• Production Capacity: A 10 GWh solid-state battery project in Kunshan, started in 2022, enhances scalability.

Gotion High-tech (国轩高科)

Progress: Guoxuan High-tech, also known as Gotion High-tech, is advancing both semi-solid and all-solid-state batteries. Its first-generation semi-solid-state battery achieves 360 Wh/kg at the cell level and 260 Wh/kg at the pack level, with mass production underway. A second-generation semi-solid battery with 400 Wh/kg is in development, and an all-solid-state battery with 350 Wh/kg was announced in 2024. Guoxuan plans small-batch vehicle integration by 2027 and mass production by 2030.

Advantages:

• Dual Technology Focus: Progress in both semi-solid and all-solid-state batteries.
• High Energy Density: Up to 400 Wh/kg in development, competitive with industry leaders.
• Global Reach: Partnerships with Volkswagen and Chery, plus international production bases.

CALB (中创新航)

Progress: Zhongchuang Innovation, also known as Zhongchuang Aviation, has introduced a “borderless” solid-state battery, though specific technical details are scarce. The company plans to implement vehicle loading by 2027, aligning with industry trends toward commercialization. Zhongchuang’s involvement in China’s solid-state battery ecosystem suggests it is leveraging collaborative R&D efforts.

Advantages:

• Innovative Design: The “borderless” concept may offer unique performance benefits.
• Strategic Timeline: Targeting 2027 for vehicle integration aligns with competitors.
• Industry Integration: Part of China’s broader push for solid-state battery development.

BYD (比亚迪)

Progress: BYD, a leading EV and battery manufacturer, is developing all-solid-state batteries through its subsidiary, FinDreams Battery. The company has produced test cells with capacities of 20 Ah and 60 Ah and plans demonstration use in vehicles by 2027, with mass production expected after 2030. BYD is exploring sulfide-based solid-state batteries, aiming for high energy density and cost parity with liquid batteries.

Advantages:

• Vertical Integration: Combines EV and battery expertise for seamless development.
• Early Prototypes: Test cells indicate steady progress toward commercialization.
• Long-Term Vision: Focus on cost-effective, scalable solid-state solutions.

WELION New Energy (卫蓝新能源)

Progress: Weilan New Energy, also known as WeLion, is a leader in semi-solid-state batteries, planning to mass-produce 150 kWh ultra-long-range battery packs for NIO in Q2 2024. These batteries, with high energy density, support ranges up to 1,000 km. Weilan is also developing mixed solid-liquid solid-state batteries for bulk loading, with a focus on high safety and energy density.

Advantages:

• Early Commercialization: Mass production planned for 2024, ahead of many competitors.
• High-Profile Partnerships: Collaboration with NIO enhances market credibility.
• Safety Focus: Emphasis on reducing thermal runaway risks.

SAIC Motor (上汽集团)

Progress: SAIC Motor, a major Chinese automaker, has partnered with Qingtao Energy to develop solid-state batteries. Their joint venture aims to mass-produce second-generation solid-state batteries with 400 Wh/kg energy density by 2026. The first-generation battery, with 368 Wh/kg, has passed vehicle loading tests, achieving a 1,083 km range. SAIC’s IM L6 model uses a semi-solid-state battery with a 900V system.

Advantages:

• Collaborative Strength: Leverages Qingtao’s battery expertise.
• Advanced Testing: Proven performance in vehicle tests.
• Mass Production Plan: Clear timeline for 2026 commercialization.

FAW Group (一汽集团)

Progress: FAW Group, a state-owned automaker, is part of CASIP, collaborating with companies like CATL and BYD to develop solid-state batteries. Specific details on FAW’s individual progress are limited, but its involvement in this government-backed initiative suggests access to significant R&D resources. FAW is likely focusing on integrating solid-state batteries into its vehicles by leveraging collaborative advancements.

Advantages:

• Collaborative R&D: Benefits from CASIP’s shared resources.
• Automotive Expertise: Strong foundation for integrating battery technology.
• Government Support: Access to substantial funding for innovation.

Chery Automobile (奇瑞汽车)

Progress: Chery Automobile is advancing solid-state battery technology through its subsidiary, Anhui Anwa New Energy Technology, which has produced engineering samples with 300 Wh/kg energy density. Chery claims to have the world’s first GWh-level solid-state battery production line, with plans to launch 600 Wh/kg batteries by 2026, offering up to 1,500 km range. Mass production is targeted for 2027.

Advantages:

• High Energy Density: Targeting 600 Wh/kg, among the highest in the industry.
• Production Milestone: Claims the first GWh-level production line.
• Early Prototypes: Engineering samples already produced, indicating rapid progress.

Industry Trends and Challenges

China’s solid-state battery industry is supported by significant government investment, including a 6 billion yuan ($830 million) fund for R&D. The CASIP initiative fosters collaboration among top players, aiming to establish a robust supply chain by 2030. However, challenges remain, including high production costs, scalability issues, and the need for stable solid electrolytes with high ionic conductivity. Semi-solid-state batteries, which use gel electrolytes, are serving as a transitional technology, with companies like Weilan and Guoxuan leading in this area.

Company	Energy Density (Wh/kg)	Key Milestone	Commercialization Timeline
CATL	Not specified	Small-scale production by 2027	Mass production by 2030
Tianlong New Energy	720	Separator-free battery developed	Vehicle loading by 2027
Qingtao Energy	368 (1st gen), 400 (2nd)	Passed vehicle loading tests	Mass production by 2026
Guoxuan High-tech	360 (semi), 350 (all)	Semi-solid mass production underway	Mass production by 2030
Zhongchuang Innovation	Not specified	“Borderless” battery announced	Vehicle loading by 2027
BYD	Not specified	Test cells (20/60 Ah) produced	Mass production post-2030
Weilan New Energy	Not specified	150 kWh packs for NIO	Mass production in 2024
SAIC Motor	368 (1st gen), 400 (2nd)	Joint venture with Qingtao	Mass production by 2026
FAW Group	Not specified	Part of CASIP	Not specified
Chery Automobile	300 (current), 600 (2025)	GWh-level production line	Mass production by 2027

Conclusion

China’s solid-state battery industry is rapidly advancing, driven by innovation, collaboration, and government support. Companies like CATL, Tianlong New Energy, and Chery are pushing the boundaries of energy density and safety, while others like Weilan and Guoxuan are nearing commercialization with semi-solid-state solutions. As these technologies mature, they will enable EVs with longer ranges, faster charging, and enhanced safety, positioning China as a global leader in the transition to sustainable energy.