SAIC Motor has announced a significant milestone in its partnership with Qingtao Power, as the all-solid-state battery production line in Anting has achieved full-line commissioning. According to IT-home, the company expects sample cells to be produced by the end of this year, with prototype vehicles slated for testing next year. The commercial mass-delivery of these batteries is scheduled for 2027.
The announcement comes as SAIC Motor aims to revolutionize the automotive battery industry with its solid-state technology. The company has set ambitious technical targets for these new batteries, including a gravimetric energy density exceeding 400 Wh/kg, a volumetric energy density above 820 Wh/L, and single-cell capacities greater than 75 Ah. These figures have been reiterated in various corporate communications and have drawn attention from trade outlets and technology summaries.
Technical Achievements and Safety Data
SAIC Motor has also shared promising safety performance data for its solid-state battery chemistry. The company reports that the cells have successfully passed nail-penetration tests and sustained exposure in a 200°C thermal chamber without incidents of fire or explosion. Additionally, the low-temperature capacity retention of these cells exceeds 90 percent, underscoring their potential reliability.
These results are presented as part of SAIC’s laboratory and validation data, aligning with its development roadmap. The move represents a significant step forward in the company’s long-term strategy to advance solid-state battery technology from laboratory samples to practical vehicle applications.
Historical Context and Collaborative Efforts
SAIC’s engagement with solid-state battery development is not new. The company has been involved in this area for several years, marked by collaborative investments with Qingtao Energy. Industry reports indicate that SAIC has invested in its partner, and a joint laboratory was established to expedite the development process. These earlier steps are part of a multi-year program designed to scale the technology for vehicle use.
Meanwhile, analysts caution that while the commissioning of the sample line and controlled safety tests are crucial milestones, they do not guarantee long-term manufacturability, cost efficiency, or field reliability. The true test of commercial success will depend on the ability to achieve repeatable mass-production yields, readiness of the supply chain, and real-world durability data gathered through fleet testing.
Future Prospects and Industry Implications
The development of solid-state batteries is seen as a potential game-changer in the automotive industry, offering higher energy densities and improved safety over traditional lithium-ion batteries. However, the path to commercialization is fraught with challenges. No pricing or commercialization terms have been announced yet, leaving many questions about the economic viability of this technology.
According to sources familiar with the industry, the transition to solid-state batteries could significantly impact the electric vehicle market, potentially leading to lighter, more efficient vehicles with longer ranges. However, experts emphasize the importance of continued research and development, as well as strategic partnerships, to overcome the technological and economic hurdles that lie ahead.
As SAIC Motor and Qingtao Power push forward with their plans, the automotive world will be watching closely. The successful mass delivery of solid-state batteries by 2027 could mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of electric vehicles, reshaping the landscape of sustainable transportation.
