CALB said it has begun deploying semi-solid-state battery technology in the light truck sector, marking an expansion of advanced battery systems from passenger cars into commercial vehicles.
The company announced that its solid-liquid hybrid battery, unveiled at a commercial vehicle exhibition in Hefei, Anhui province on March 28, has entered mass production and is already being installed in light trucks produced by Chery Automobile.
The move represents one of the first large-scale applications of semi-solid-state batteries in light commercial vehicles, as manufacturers explore higher-performance alternatives to conventional lithium-ion systems. The hybrid technology combines solid and liquid electrolytes, aiming to balance energy density and safety while serving as a transitional step toward fully solid-state batteries.
CALB said the new battery delivers an energy density of 400 Wh/kg, around 122% higher than traditional liquid lithium batteries, which could significantly extend vehicle range. The reduced weight associated with higher energy density is also expected to improve payload efficiency, a key factor in light truck operations.
The company added that the battery has passed 44 safety tests, including thermal propagation, fire and crush assessments, exceeding China’s latest safety standards. The design is intended to improve reliability and reduce risks in complex commercial operating environments.
Charging performance is another focus. The battery supports 2C fast charging, enabling it to recharge from 30% to 80% in about 15 minutes, according to CALB, helping to increase operational efficiency in logistics and distribution use cases.
The battery is also designed for improved cold-weather performance. In temperatures as low as -25°C, it delivers more than 20% greater range compared with conventional batteries and supports continuous 1C discharge, the company said.
CALB said it plans to further expand the application of its battery technology across commercial and special-purpose vehicles, as well as broader transport sectors.
The company has also been advancing its presence in emerging mobility segments. It recently announced that aviation-grade batteries supplied to Aridge have entered mass production. Aridge is majority-owned by Xpeng and its chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng, with plans to begin mass production of flying cars later this year.
According to data from the China Automotive Battery Innovation Alliance, CALB ranked third in China’s power battery installations in February with a 6.0% market share. The market continues to be dominated by CATL and BYD, which together accounted for more than 62% of total installations during the period.
