BASF said it has delivered cathode materials to China’s WeLion New Energy for use in semi-solid-state batteries, marking the German chemical group’s first supply of such materials and a shift from concept to mass production within a year.
The deliveries were made through BASF Shanshan Battery Materials (BSBM), a joint venture with Shanshan established in 2021 in which BASF holds a majority stake. BASF said its nickel-rich NCM cathode material, developed with a composite coating layer, was designed to address interface challenges between cathode active materials and solid electrolytes, enhancing energy density, stability, and cycle life.
“This collaboration marks a milestone for our battery materials business and is a significant step forward in the field of Solid-State batteries,” said Desmond Long, Senior Vice President at BASF Battery Materials and CEO of BSBM. “We look forward to further deepening our cooperation with WeLion New Energy and achieving further breakthroughs in Solid-State battery technology together.”
WeLion, a Beijing-based battery developer known for its partnerships with automaker Nio, welcomed the cooperation. “We are impressed by BASF’s robust technology and fast response,” said Dr Jin Xiang, Managing Director of WeLion New Energy. “As a leading manufacturer in the Solid-State battery industry, WeLion will use BASF’s cathode materials in our new generation of Semi-Solid-State batteries and look forward to more joint projects both at home and globally.”
WeLion, founded in 2016, has already supplied semi-solid-state cells to Nio for its 150 kWh battery packs and is also working with Yiwei, an EV brand under JAC Group, on large-format semi-solid-state cells designed to deliver ranges up to 1,000 km. The company is a member of a Chinese state-backed alliance launched in May 2024 to accelerate the commercialisation of solid-state batteries.