Solid-state batteries are being touted as the next big thing in the automotive industry. Despite some experts being skeptical, Huawei-backed company Seres is determined to prove them wrong. Huawei-backed Seres just announced it is bringing a new version of the Seres 5 SUV with a 90kWh semi-solid state battery pack that will offer 530km of WLTP range.
Seres is a unique company, with an intriguing history. Founded in 2016 in Silicon Valley as SF Motors, the company was co-founded by Martin Eberhard, the former Vice Chairman and Chief Scientist of Tesla. Seres received a Chinese production permit in 2017, further solidifying its position in the industry.
See also: Seres 5 Make Debut in Europe As Premium Sport Electric SUV
Seres was formed through a partnership between University of Michigan and Sokon Motors. They established a research center in the US and acquired the former Hummer H2 Mishawaka assembly plant in Indiana.
They launched their first electric vehicle, the SF5, in China in 2018 but delayed plans to sell it in the US. In 2021, Huawei became a partner and helped develop the updated SF5, now called the Seres 5. This vehicle, launching later this year, will be the first to feature a ternary semi-solid state battery from Ganfeng Lithium.
The Seres 5 was recently unveiled in Europe and will be sold through Huawei’s showroom network in China. The new battery uses a proprietary advanced material and solid-state technology for improved safety and energy density, offering up to 530km of range with a 90kWh pack. Ganfeng Lithium is building a 20GWh battery manufacturing site and aims to become China’s largest solid-state battery producer.
