Xiaomi is developing solid-state batteries for its electric cars that enable a range of over 1,200 km according to Chinese testing standards and a fast-charging capability of 800 km in 10 minutes. Chinese media have reported a patent for the technology, which describes a layered electrode structure that improves ion conductivity and energy density.
For Xiaomi, the new patent marks the technology company’s entrance into solid-state battery development. CarNewsChina has reported that the patent improves ion conductivity and energy density with a layered electrode structure. The design integrates a current collector with multiple electrode layers that are made up of active materials, binders, conductive agents, and a solid electrolyte made of polymers and metal salts.
As the name suggests, solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte in conventional lithium-ion cells with solid materials, which promises to improve energy density, safety and thermal stability. In its patent application, Xiaomi appears to have overcome a key bottleneck in fast-charging applications of the technology by addressing ion transport challenges within thick electrodes.
Xiaomi states that its prototype supports a cell-to-body (CTB) design with a volume efficiency of 77.8 per cent. The battery is only 120 mm high, including the vehicle floor, and offers better space utilisation and improved weight distribution.
The solid state battery, said to enable a range of over 1,200 km and a fast-charging capability of 800 km in 10 minutes, should be compatible with existing lithium battery production lines, which indicates its potential for mass production.
Several battery and carmakers have plans for solid-state batteries. In January 2024, the Chinese government initiated a consortium called the China All-Solid-State Battery Collaborative Innovation Platform (CASIP). The alliance includes battery manufacturers CATL, CALB, EVE Energy, SVOLT, Gotion High-Tech and BYD’s battery subsidiary FinDreams Battery. The alliance includes several state-owned manufacturers from the automotive industry, as well as the private companies BYD and Nio.
CATL and SAIC aim to begin small-scale production in 2027, Toyota has said it will launch its first models with solid-state batteries between 2027 and 2028, BMW has already begun road testing with a prototype i7, and Gotion began pilot production of a solid-state battery last month. Earlier this year, BYD‘s Chief Technology Officer revealed that the company had already produced its first solid-state batteries last year, but does not expect series production in the near future.
CarNewsChina writes that while widespread adoption of the technology is unlikely before 2030, Xiaomi’s patent application indicates growing momentum. The patent for solid-state batteries could also mean that the Chinese carmaker will be able to integrate in-house solid-state batteries into its electric vehicles in the future, which would reduce its reliance on third-party suppliers like CATL and BYD.
Founded in 2010 in Beijing, Xiaomi is now the second-largest manufacturer of smartphones in the world behind Samsung. The technology company is best known for its consumer electronics, software and electric vehicles. Earlier this year, in March 2025, Xiaomi President William Lu said that Xiaomi wants to sell its electric cars on global markets starting in 2027.
carnewschina.com
