Chinese battery maker Svolt Energy will begin trial production of its first-generation semi-solid-state batteries in Q4 2025. The 140 Ah cells will be supplied to BMW’s Mini brand, with mass production targeted for 2027 and future energy density increases already outlined.
Semi-solid-state batteries are a battery technology that falls between traditional lithium-ion batteries with a liquid electrolyte and solid-state batteries with a completely solid electrolyte. They use a combination of liquid and solid materials in the electrolyte, often referred to as a solid-liquid hybrid. Battery manufacturers hope to be able to offer improved safety, higher energy density and a longer service life with this technology compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
There are still hardly any semi-solid-state batteries on the market and even fewer solid-state batteries, which is why battery manufacturers are in a race to see who has the edge in terms of technology.
Svolt Energy, one of the ten biggest battery manufacturers in China, wants to kick off trial production of its first-generation semi-solid-state batteries with a capacity of 140 Ah in the fourth quarter of 2025. The development was reported by Chinese media outlet Cailian, citing comments from Svolt chairman Yang Hongxin. Trial production will utilise Svolt’s existing production line for mass-produced semi-solid batteries.
According to China Star Market, cited by CN EV Post, Svolt’s first-generation semi-solid-state batteries are soft-pack designs offering an energy density of 300 Wh/kg at what the company describes as a very low cost. The second-generation semi-solid-state batteries are planned to reach an energy density of 360 Wh/kg.
As per report, the semi-solid cells will be supplied to BMW’s Mini brand for upcoming model generations, with mass production scheduled to begin in 2027. One possible connection is that SVOLT was spun off from Chinese car manufacturer GWM in 2018, which produces the Mini Cooper Electric and the Mini Aceman in a joint venture with BMW. There were also rumours of an alleged billion-euro deal between BMW and SVOLT as early as 2023.
In parallel, Svolt’s all-solid-state battery programme targets an energy density of 400 Wh/kg for its first-generation designs, with applications primarily in low-altitude flight and automotive sectors.
Moreover, Svolt recently saw the second-generation Dragon Armor Battery roll off the production line at its Huzhou base in Zhejiang province. The Dragon Armor is a ternary lithium battery for extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) with a capacity of up to 65 kWh. According to Svolt, it is the largest battery of its kind in mass production globally. It supports 5C rate charging, enabling it to charge from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in 12 minutes.
The Dragon Armor Battery was first presented in 2022. As with BYD’s Blade Battery and CATL’s Qilin battery, SVOLT’s Dragon Armor Battery is not a new cell chemistry with higher energy density, but a newly designed battery pack.
cnevpost.com
