Chinese battery manufacturer SVOLT has started series production of its semi-solid-state Dragon Armor battery, with the first batch of 100 kWh battery packs rolling off the production line in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province. The company says the battery supports charging rates of up to 6C, potentially allowing a driving range of around 500 kilometres to be replenished in 12 minutes.
SVOLT Chairman Yang Hongxin announced the production milestone in a video published on Weibo. He said multiple customers are considering the 100 kWh battery, but did not identify any confirmed vehicle applications.
100 kWh Battery Supports 900-Volt Systems
According to SVOLT, the Dragon Armor battery uses cells with a semi-solid electrolyte and features liquid cooling on both the top and bottom of the pack. The system supports voltages of up to 900 volts and has a stated service life exceeding 3,000 charge cycles.
Semi-solid-state batteries combine liquid and solid electrolyte materials, positioning them between conventional lithium-ion batteries and fully solid-state designs. Manufacturers are developing the technology in pursuit of improved safety, energy density and durability.
SVOLT has not disclosed the testing conditions behind its charging and lifespan figures or the size of the initial production batch.
Second Generation Targets Higher Energy Density
SVOLT previously indicated that its first-generation semi-solid-state batteries would achieve an energy density of 300 Wh/kg. A second generation reportedly in development is targeting 360 Wh/kg.
The company had announced plans for test production in the fourth quarter of 2025 and series production in 2027. The latest announcement indicates that series production has begun earlier than that previously stated timeline.
SVOLT is among China’s major battery manufacturers and has been developing semi-solid-state technology as automakers seek alternatives to conventional lithium-ion cells. Yang has described 2026 as a potential turning point for wider adoption of hybrid solid-liquid batteries.
Potential BMW Mini Connection Remains Unconfirmed
Previous reporting by CN EV Post suggested SVOLT could supply semi-solid-state batteries for future models from BMW’s Mini brand. SVOLT was spun off from Great Wall Motor in 2018, and Great Wall Motor operates a joint venture with BMW that produces electric Mini models.
However, neither SVOLT nor Mini has confirmed that the new Dragon Armor battery will be used in upcoming vehicles. The identities of the battery’s first customers remain undisclosed.
Fully Solid-State Batteries Still Further Away
SVOLT is also working on fully solid-state batteries, although Yang has said their commercialisation remains a longer-term prospect. The company expects semi-solid-state technology to remain an important development path until fully solid-state batteries can be manufactured at large scale.
SVOLT also anticipates that semi-solid-state battery production costs could eventually become comparable to those of conventional lithium-ion batteries, potentially supporting broader adoption.