Huawei has filed a patent for a new Solid-State battery that can travel 3,000 kilometers on a 5-minute charge. This is a big step for the company as it enters the fast-growing high-energy battery market.
The battery has an energy density of 400–500 Wh/kg, which is 2–3 times higher than standard lithium-ion batteries. It also features new techniques that improve electrochemical stability and extend its lifespan.
China’s EV Industry Takes the Lead
China’s electric vehicle and tech industries are racing to develop Solid-State batteries to reduce their reliance on major manufacturers like CATL and BYD. Companies like Xiaomi and Nio are also looking to produce their own batteries to cut costs, which can account for half the price of an electric vehicle.
Several Chinese manufacturers have already started production:
- CATL plans to produce hybrid Solid-State batteries by 2027.
- Going High-Tech has started producing “Jinshi” batteries with an energy density of 350 Wh/kg.
- Beijing WeLion has launched production of 50Ah Solid-State battery cells that meet national standards.
However, high production costs remain a significant obstacle. The cost is currently around $1,100–$1,400 per kilowatt-hour. Experts warn that these figures are still theoretical and require charging infrastructure that doesn’t yet exist commercially.
Huawei’s advancements in Solid-State battery technology have sparked interest and concern among global competitors, particularly in Japan and South Korea. Local media have expressed concerns about China’s rapid development of next-generation battery technology.
Global players like Toyota, Panasonic, and Samsung have invested heavily in Solid-State battery research for over a decade. Toyota unveiled a prototype battery in 2023 that can travel 1,200 kilometers and charge in 10 minutes, with plans to put it into practical use within 5 years.
China has caught up quickly, with Chinese organizations filing over 7,600 Solid-State battery patent applications per year, accounting for 36.7% of global patents.