On August 27, HUAYU Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (HASCO) announced an agreement to acquire a 49% stake in Shanghai SAIC QingTao Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (SAIC QingTao) from SAIC Motor for 206 million yuan. Once the transaction is complete, HASCO and QingTao Energy will each hold 49% and 51% stakes in the battery joint venture, respectively. SAIC QingTao was established in November 2023 by SAIC Motor and QingTao Energy to focus on the development of semi-solid-state and all-solid-state batteries.
Since its founding, SAIC QingTao has built facilities in Wuhai, Chengdu, Yichun, Kunshan and Taizhou, covering the entire value chain from materials research to cell and module manufacturing. Its semi-solid-state battery technology is already being integrated into mass-produced vehicles under SAIC Motor, including the newly launched MG4 model. HASCO’s investment represents the company’s formal entry into the solid-state battery sector.
Solid-state batteries replace conventional liquid electrolytes with solid materials, offering potential improvements in safety, energy density, cycle life and charging speed. This next-generation technology has become a major focus for battery producers and automakers worldwide.
In China, several leading battery manufacturers are racing to commercialize solid-state solutions. Gotion High-tech reported in June that its all-solid-state “Jinshi” battery pack system had begun vehicle road testing. Farasis Energy has moved from laboratory research to pilot-scale production, aiming to complete a 0.2 GWh pilot line for sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries by year-end and supply 60 Ah prototype cells to strategic partners. SVOLT plans to start trial production of its first-generation 140 Ah semi-solid-state cells in the fourth quarter of 2025 on a 2.3 GWh mass production line.
Automakers including BYD, Changan Automobile, SAIC Motor, GAC Group, Chery and Dongfeng Motor have unveiled roadmaps for solid-state battery deployment, targeting 2026–2027 for mass production and vehicle integration. HASCO’s new stake in SAIC QingTao aligns with this broader industry push toward advanced battery technologies.
Source: SMM Information & Technology
