Changan Auto and Ganfeng Lithium announced a partnership on December 26, emphasizing research and application of semi-solid and solid-state batteries.
A semi-solid or solid-state battery is a type in which the traditionally liquid electrolyte is transformed into a solid or semi-solid state. Solid-state batteries outshine liquid batteries in energy density, high-temperature resilience, and safety. they promise a revolutionary leap forward by addressing safety and range concerns.
Solid-state battery R&D and manufacturing base
Previously, Changan Automobile and Ganfeng Lithium signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore and negotiate in-depth cooperation on the entire value chain, including lithium resource development, lithium salt deep processing, lithium battery R&D, manufacturing, and the recycling of used batteries.
According to the Memorandum, both parties will accelerate the joint venture project and industrialization of semi-solid and solid-state battery R&D and manufacturing based on equal shareholding and efficient operation principles.
They plan to extend cooperation in the battery industry chain, including upstream lithium mining resources, lithium salt deep processing, battery materials, midstream battery manufacturing, and downstream comprehensive recycling of used batteries, by collaborating on the next-generation automotive power batteries.
"In this collaboration, both parties will fully leverage their respective resources to accelerate the industrial application of semi-solid and solid-state battery technology," stated Zhu Huarong, Chairman of Changan Automobile.
We aim to provide users with safer and more comfortable new energy products, explore in-depth cooperation in the battery industry chain, build a robust strategic relationship, enhance the security and resilience of the industry chain, and jointly promote high-quality industry development, Zhu added.
Li Liangbin, Chairman of Ganfeng Lithium, commits to leveraging its industry advantage for strategic collaboration with Changan Automobile in the new energy sector.
"We hope both teams will work together to build a solid-state battery R&D and manufacturing base with international competitiveness, accelerate the industrialization of solid-state battery technology in China, and maintain a leading position internationally," said Li.
Advanced solid-state batteries tailored to vehicle requirements
As one of the potential next-generation technological paths for lithium batteries, solid-state batteries have increasingly been associated with automakers this year and are gradually moving towards a new phase of mass production and vehicle integration.
This year, Changan Automobile has started focusing on solid-state batteries as a crucial technical pathway in its battery self-research, aiming for mass production by 2025.
The company has revealed that it is developing advanced solid-state batteries tailored to vehicle requirements, with plans to gradually begin mass production from 2025, achieving a weight energy density of 350-500Wh/kg and a volumetric energy density of 750-1000Wh/L, with widespread application by 2030.
SAIC Motor also indicated this year that it is accelerating the development of solid-state battery cells, advancing the large-scale application of solid-state batteries. The first mass-produced product equipped with solid-state batteries is expected to be launched in 2025.
Ganfeng Lithium's 20GWh new lithium battery technology industrial park project in Chongqing is under construction. The company hopes to make it the country's most extensive solid-state battery production base.
Earlier this year, Ganfeng Lithium also announced plans to build a new 10GWh lithium battery and energy storage headquarters project in Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, with a capacity of semi-solid-state battery cells.