Welion Energy, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Beijing, China, is a leading innovator in advanced battery technology. Known as “The Solid-State Pioneers,” the company specializes in developing semi-solid-state and solid-state lithium-ion battery cells engineered to combine the efficiency of conventional lithium-ion systems with the safety and performance advantages of solid-state designs. Its products target industries demanding high energy density, faster charging, and reliable longevity, including e-bikes, last-mile delivery vehicles, motorcycles, marine equipment, and portable power stations.
Welion’s mission is to empower the global transition to next-generation energy storage by offering batteries that are safer, lighter, and more powerful. The company has forged strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as NIO, a prominent electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, and research institutions like the Yangtze River Delta Physics Research Center, securing its position as a top-tier battery supplier. With a presence on the Chinese Unicorn Enterprise List (ranked 103rd in 2023), Welion is a rapidly growing force in battery technology, aiming to expand its annual production capacity from 6 GWh to 30 GWh by 2025.
Battery Technology
At the core of Welion Energy’s innovation is its semi-solid-state battery design, which merges the energy efficiency of liquid electrolytes with the safety benefits of solid-state components. This hybrid configuration allows for enhanced thermal stability, minimizing fire risks while enabling higher energy densities compared to traditional lithium-ion cells. The company’s chemistries include three primary lines:
- Nickel Manganese Cobalt Plus (NMC+) (“The Powerful Sprinter”): Optimized for high-power applications requiring rapid charging and discharging, such as EVs and motorcycles.
- Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) (“The Versatile Allrounder”): Balances power and energy density for diverse uses ranging from cargo bikes to portable power stations.
- Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) (“The Endurance Performer”): Prioritizes longevity and safety for applications like microcars and marine vehicles, offering a prolonged cycle life and cost-effective performance.
Welion’s semi-solid-state cells achieve energy densities of up to 360 Wh/kg and support high C-rates (fast charge/discharge), thanks to low internal resistance and advanced thermal management. The design also mitigates dendrite formation, extending lifespan by minimizing degradation over thousands of cycles. Critically, these cells are manufactured using existing lithium-ion production infrastructure, ensuring cost parity with conventional batteries while preparing the pathway for full solid-state technology.
The company invests deeply in R&D, dedicating 31% of its workforce to advancing cell chemistry and systems. Collaborations with partners like BASF and the Yangtze River Delta Physics Research Center further drive innovation, particularly in solid-state electrolyte development. These efforts aim to push energy density boundaries while maintaining affordability, a key factor in the adoption of next-generation batteries in EVs and energy storage systems.
Recent Projects
Welion Energy has recently supplied NIO’s flagship ET7 sedan with a proprietary 150 kWh battery pack, enhancing its driving range to 650 miles on a single charge. This collaboration underscores Welion’s growing role in the EV sector, leveraging semi-solid-state technology to meet high-demand performance standards. In parallel, the company’s expansion plans focus on scaling production capacity to 30 GWh annually by 2025, significantly boosting output to meet rising global demand for sustainable energy solutions.
Recent partnerships, such as those with Universal Transmissions GmbH (featured in a CTO testimonial), reflect Welion’s commitment to integrating its technology into diverse applications. The company’s emphasis on system integration supports customers in optimizing battery performance for applications ranging from micro-mobility vehicles to advanced marine systems.
Investors
Welion Energy has attracted substantial investment to fuel its growth. Notable backers include Habo Investment, Hidden Hill Capital, Hermitage Capital, and Xiaomi, alongside strategic investors like NIO Capital and Huawei. These partnerships have raised approximately $284.58 million in funding, enabling rapid R&D and production scale-up. The company plans to further accelerate expansion by pursuing an initial public offering (IPO) as early as 2025, targeting revenue growth of 20-fold to reach $1.4 billion.
Business Details
Location: Beijing, China
Website: https://welion-energy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105490541
