Chinese automaker SAIC-GM-Wuling has introduced the “Wuling Red 1,” a power battery pack designed for new energy commercial vehicles, boasting the distinction of being the thinnest in the industry at 148 mm thick, according to a Weibo posting today.
This slim design aims to optimize cargo space within a van’s cargo box, enhancing practicality for commercial applications. However, the announcement did not disclose whether SAIC-GM-Wuling manufactures the battery cells in-house or relies on external suppliers for this component.
The “Wuling Red 1” battery pack supports fast charging, with the capability to charge from 30 percent to 80 percent in just 30 minutes, as per the company’s statement. Notably, it features a 9-channel liquid-cooled structure, making it the first in its class to leverage liquid-cooling technology for commercial vehicle batteries.
During the charging process, the battery pack incorporates a temperature control system designed to automatically shut down when the battery temperature falls below 35°C and initiate cooling when it exceeds 38°C, maintaining optimal operating conditions.
SAIC-GM-Wuling emphasized the longevity of the battery pack’s cells, claiming that more than 80 percent of their life remains after over 4,000 complete charge/discharge cycles. The company further reported that the cells passed pin-prick tests without incidents of fire or explosion.
The “Wuling Red 1” battery pack is already in mass production and will be integrated into Wuling’s upcoming lineup of new energy commercial vehicles. SAIC-GM-Wuling, a joint venture involving SAIC, GM, and Liuzhou Wuling Automobile, is headquartered in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, in southwestern China. The company is recognized for its diverse vehicle offerings, including electric models built on the GSEV (Global Small Electric Vehicle) architecture, alongside traditional fuel-powered SUVs, MPVs, and vans.
