Chinese materials and battery supplier Ganfeng Lithium has started production of a semi-solid-state battery with an energy density of 650 watt-hours per kilogram, while also initiating pilot production of full solid-state battery packs, according to Chinese media reports.
Ganfeng, one of the world’s largest lithium processors and a supplier to automakers including Hyundai and Changan, has been expanding into battery manufacturing in recent years. The company is now focusing on next-generation chemistries aimed at higher performance and improved safety compared with conventional lithium-ion cells.
The semi-solid-state batteries reportedly use a lithium-alloy, stress-free anode paired with a sulphur cathode and exhibit limited volume expansion of 3% to 5% during charging cycles. They also support 3C fast charging, theoretically allowing a full recharge in about 20 minutes, and have demonstrated strong thermal stability, including resistance to temperatures of 250°C and nail-penetration tests without ignition.
With an energy density of 650 Wh/kg — roughly two to three times that of typical electric-vehicle batteries — the cells could significantly reduce system weight while maintaining range. Reports also indicate that heat release in the event of a failure is about 90% lower than in conventional lithium systems.
Initial applications are expected outside the automotive sector. High energy density is particularly valuable for robotics and electric aviation, where battery weight is a critical constraint. The technology could enable longer endurance for drones, conventional electric aircraft and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles.
At a solid-state battery forum in Beijing, the company also said the semi-solid-state platform would support development of fully solid-state batteries using lithium-alloy anodes. Ganfeng has already reached the prototype stage for these next-generation cells and has begun pilot production of corresponding battery packs.
Source: CarNewsChina