Chinese car manufacturer Changan and lithium and battery producer Ganfeng Lithium are entering into a strategic partnership to jointly develop solid-state batteries, as revealed in a stock exchange release by Changan. The collaboration includes plans to establish a joint venture, with both companies aiming to be equal partners. The primary objective is to expedite the research, development, and production of solid-state batteries.
Ganfeng CEO Li Liangbin expressed the ambition to create an internationally competitive base for the research, development, and production of solid-state batteries, fostering the rapid industrialization of this technology. Beyond solid-state batteries, Changan and Ganfeng are also exploring potential collaborations in areas such as lithium mining, lithium processing, battery materials, and used battery recycling.
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This partnership aligns with Changan’s ‘Shangri-La’ program initiated in 2017, solidifying the company’s presence in the new energy vehicle market through brands like Deepal, Avatr, and Qiyuan. Changan envisions this collaboration with Ganfeng as a catalyst to accelerate its transformation into a leading company specializing in intelligent, low-carbon mobility technology.
Zhu Huarong, CEO of Changan Automobile, highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement, stating, “Leveraging our respective strengths, we aim to expedite the industrialization of (semi-) solid-state battery technology, offering users a safer and more comfortable experience with new energy products.” The collaboration seeks to establish a robust strategic partnership across the battery industry chain, enhancing the security and resilience of the industry.
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Changan New Energy, a subsidiary, initiated battery cell development in 2022, producing the first prototype of a 4C battery cell at Deepal in November 2023. CATL Changan, a joint venture involving Deepal, Changan, and CATL, recently produced its inaugural battery cell. Changan’s plans include launching eight models of in-house-developed battery cells, encompassing liquid, semi-solid, and solid technologies, by 2030, with an annual production capacity target of 150 GWh.
Changan, with over 1,200 employees dedicated to battery research and development, aims to expand this workforce to 3,000 by 2024. The collaborative efforts with Ganfeng signify a significant step in advancing battery technology, a critical component of China’s commitment to electric mobility and sustainable energy solutions.
