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| The NIO ET7 sedan with 150 kWh semi-solid battery. |
In a development that could redefine the limits of electric mobility and robotics, Chinese battery pioneer WeLion has announced a new laboratory achievement in solid-state battery energy density. The company reports reaching 824 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg), shattering the previous benchmark and setting its sights on an even more ambitious target.
This news comes hot on the heels of competitor Cherry’s recent revelation of a 600 Wh/kg solid-state battery slated for production in 2027. While Cherry’s figure already represented a 20% jump over the long-theorized 500 Wh/kg maximum for next-gen batteries, WeLion’s latest announcement significantly raises the bar.
The Race to Commercialize Solid-State Power
The global battery landscape is fiercely competitive. Industry giants from Samsung and CATL to Toyota have all outlined roadmaps to commercialize solid-state batteries around the 500 Wh/kg mark by 2027. Such batteries promise to revolutionize electric vehicles, potentially enabling ranges of 750 miles or more on a single charge while using a battery pack the same size as today’s 300-mile units.
Yet, WeLion is already operating ahead of that curve. The company is a key partner for NIO, providing 150 kWh semi-solid state battery packs (with 95% solid electrolyte) for models like the ET7 sedan. These packs already enable real-world ranges exceeding 600 miles.
As reported in a recent industry analysis, the progress in this field is accelerating rapidly. For a deeper look at the competitive landscape and technological hurdles, a detailed report can be found here.
The 1,000 Wh/kg Horizon and the Cost Challenge
WeLion’s ultimate goal is even more staggering: a 1,000 Wh/kg solid-state battery. At that energy density, a vehicle like the NIO ET7 could see its range stretch to over 1,000 miles. However, the company’s chairman introduces a major note of caution: such a breakthrough would initially be "prohibitively expensive."
The cost issue is not theoretical. The current semi-solid state pack in the NIO ET7 is so costly that NIO offers it only via a battery swap rental program for long-distance travel, rather than including it in the standard purchase price. This underscores a central dilemma for the industry: achieving ultra-high density in the lab is one thing; manufacturing it affordably at scale is another.
For applications where premium energy density is needed today in a more accessible package, solid-state technology is already making inroads in specific sectors. Products like the Renogy 12V solid-state battery for RV and off-grid use demonstrate the practical benefits of enhanced safety and longevity right now. You can check the latest price and specifications on Amazon.
Drones and Robots: The First Frontier for Ultra-Dense Batteries
WeLion openly admits that its 1,000 Wh/kg chemistry, developed in partnership with chemical giant BASF, is not yet suited for cost-effective mass production in electric vehicles. Instead, the company sees a nearer-term application in a different arena: robotics and aerial drones.
This aligns with the strategic view of other industry leaders. Both CATL, the world's largest battery maker, and Panasonic, a key supplier to Tesla, have indicated that the first commercially viable applications for the highest-energy-density (and highest-cost) solid-state batteries will likely be in drones, robotics, and luxury automotive segments, where safety, weight, and performance outweigh cost considerations.
Tesla’s own Optimus humanoid robot project is frequently cited as a prime example of a platform where battery energy density and absolute safety are paramount, making it a potential ideal early adopter for such advanced technology.
What’s Next?
WeLion’s announcement, detailed further in reports from sources like CarNewsChina, proves that the theoretical ceiling for battery energy density is being relentlessly pushed higher. The path from the lab to the showroom, however, remains fraught with engineering and economic challenges.
The coming years will likely see a split in solid-state battery development: one track focusing on cost-reduction and scalability for the mass EV market, and another pushing the extreme limits of energy density for premium and niche applications. One thing is clear: the race to power the future is charging ahead at full speed.
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| The WeLion solid-state battery with 824 Wh/kg energy density. |