Beijing WeLion New Energy Technology, a key supplier of semi-solid-state batteries to Nio (NYSE: NIO) and an electric vehicle (EV) unit of Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC), has entered into a strategic agreement to jointly develop long-range electric cars.
The agreement, signed between WeLion and Yiwei, JAC’s EV arm, on April 22, marks a significant milestone in their collaboration, as stated by the battery startup yesterday.
Under the agreement, the two companies will work together on an EV model that will be powered by 4695 large cylindrical semi-solid-state battery cells, based on Yiwei’s second-generation, all-electric, DI platform, according to the statement.
“We are excited to collaborate with Yiwei to develop this innovative EV model,” said a spokesperson for WeLion. “With the new solid-state battery technology, the model is expected to achieve an impressive range of 600 km to 1,000 km and is set for mass production in 2025.”
The signing of this agreement represents the beginning of a deep collaboration between WeLion and Yiwei on semi-solid-state battery products, which is expected to accelerate the technological advancement and industrialization of semi-solid-state batteries, WeLion added.
Established in 2016 and headquartered in Beijing, WeLion achieved a significant milestone by delivering the first batch of 360 Wh/kg semi-solid-state battery cells to Nio on June 30, 2023.
Nio had previously unveiled its 150-kWh semi-solid-state battery during the ET7 sedan launch event at the January 9, 2021 Nio Day 2020 event. William Li, Nio’s founder, chairman, and CEO, announced earlier this month that the 150-kWh battery pack would be deployed starting in late April.
In a recent range challenge conducted on April 16, Nio demonstrated the real-world capability of its ET7 sedan, equipped with the 150-kWh battery pack, achieving an impressive range of up to 1,070 kilometers.
