Semi-solid-state batteries are making their first major inroads into China’s light truck segment following the launch of a new 400 Wh/kg product by Contemporary Amperex Technology (CALB). Unveiled on March 28 at a new energy commercial vehicle exhibition in Hefei, Anhui province, the solid-liquid hybrid battery has already entered mass production and is being integrated into Chery Automobile’s light trucks.
Combining a solid-liquid electrolyte system, the semi-solid-state design delivers an energy density roughly 122% higher than conventional liquid lithium batteries. This boost in energy density reduces overall battery weight, a critical factor for light trucks that depend on payload efficiency. CALB says the battery has passed 44 safety tests—including thermal propagation, fire resistance, and crush tests—surpassing China’s latest battery safety requirements to ensure reliable performance across commercial operations.
On the charging front, the battery supports 2C fast charging, enabling a recharge from 30% to 80% in just 15 minutes. The improved charging speed is expected to enhance operational efficiency for high-frequency logistics and distribution services. In extreme conditions, the battery also maintains strong performance; at –25 °C, it delivers more than 20% additional range compared to traditional alternatives and supports 1C continuous discharge.
Looking ahead, CALB plans to extend the large-scale application of its semi-solid-state technology beyond light trucks to special-purpose vehicles and other transportation sectors. The company has also recently begun mass production of aviation-grade power batteries for Aridge’s flying car program. Aridge, a technology unit led by Xpeng and its chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng, aims to start mass production of its electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles later this year.
In February, CALB ranked third in China’s domestic power battery installations with a 6% market share, trailing only two leading suppliers that together hold more than 62% of the market. As commercial vehicles embrace more advanced battery chemistries, semi-solid-state technology could play a key role in balancing safety, energy density, and cost across the industry.
Source: ChinaEVPost
