Chery’s proprietary powertrain division has filed a patent (publication number CN122348252A) with China’s National Intellectual Property Administration for a sulfide electrolyte surface coating designed to address interface instability in next-generation solid-state battery cells. The patent describes a functional coating layer that chemically bonds to a sulfide electrolyte substrate, reinforcing the interface against structural degradation caused by rapid lithium-ion transport during high-rate charging. This approach replaces conventional physical boundary methods with direct molecular links, aiming to preserve cell integrity and support extended high-performance applications.
The newly disclosed architecture focuses on reducing interface resistance in sulfide-based solid-state systems. By integrating specific functional groups into the coating layer, Chery’s design actively regulates electrochemical behavior and maintains uniform ion flow across cell boundaries. These chemical stabilization measures align with similar efforts by domestic competitors, which have pursued interface engineering solutions to prevent capacity losses and thermal degradation in solid-state cells.
Chery plans to leverage this patent as part of its preparation for pilot production of solid-state battery cells in 2027. In 2025, the company introduced its Rhino S solid-state cell concept, targeting an energy density of 600 Wh/kg. These high-density sulfide assemblies are intended for use in upcoming premium passenger electric vehicle models, supporting a multi-year development roadmap backed by state-led manufacturing initiatives.
The automaker’s technical infrastructure is based in Wuhu, with a registered capital of 5.8 billion yuan (approximately 855 million USD). Corporate records indicate Chery controls over 27,000 patents and holds equity stakes in 68 automotive and supply-chain enterprises. This centralized R&D capability allows the company to pursue independent chemical innovations without relying on external cell suppliers.
Despite recent patent activity, industry experts note that mass commercialization of all-solid-state batteries faces extended timelines due to production cost and scale-up challenges. For example, leading battery manufacturers have indicated that significant volume deployment remains several years away. Chery’s sulfide electrolyte coating represents an important step toward overcoming these barriers and advancing solid-state cell maturity ahead of planned 2027 pilot operations.
Source: CarNewsChina (https://carnewschina.com/2026/07/08/chasing-600-wh-kg-chery-files-sulfide-patent-to-fix-solid-state-cell-degradation/)
