One of the biggest Chinese automakers SAIC announced it will start mass production of the second-generation solid-state battery (SSB) in 2026. It will have an energy density of 400 Wh/kg. SAIC entered the arms race with Chery, GAC, CATL, BYD, GWM, and other companies.
In April 2024, the SAIC-backed IM L6 electric car started pre-sales with a semi-solid-state Lightyear battery. SAIC announced it is the first semi-solid-state pack with a 900V high-voltage system. Its energy capacity reaches 130 kWh. Initially, IM Motors aimed to start deliveries of the L6 with this battery in October 2026. However, this variant of the car still hasn’t entered the domestic market. In November 2024, IM Motors applied for the sales license of the semi-solid-state battery-equipped IM L6.
So, SAIC slowly enters the semi-solid-state battery segment. However, the company is also pumping money into the pure SSB development. In 2023, SAIC formed a joint venture with Chinese solid-state battery startup QingTao Energy Development. Initially, QinTao announced its first-gen SSB will have an energy density of 368 Wh/kg with Level 0 thermal runaway. Now, SAIC has teased the second-gen SSB it creates jointly with QingTao, which will enter mass production in 2026.
SAIC second-gen solid-state battery
As it goes from the SAIC’s announcement, the company’s second-gen solid-state battery will start mass production in 2026. The new pack will feature an energy density of 400 Wh/kg, a volume energy density of 820 Wh/L, and an energy capacity of 75 Ah. It will have a runaway protection. Moreover, this battery won’t be ignited after the puncture or because of the high temperature of 200 degrees Celsius. It will retain 90% of its performance at low temperatures.
It is worth mentioning that vast Chinese companies aim to introduce their SSB solution to the market in 2026. Chery aims to launch the solid-state battery in 2026 with a capacity of 600 Wh/kg. GAC Group said it will equip Hyper-branded cars with SSBs in 2026, featuring an energy density of 400 Wh/kg. Other companies that have ambitions in this segment are CATL, Great Power, Sunwoda, GWM, BYD, etc.
So, SAIC has many competitors. Previously, this company announced it would install the first self-developed SSB on the MG-branded EV.
Solid-state batteries have a solid electrolyte that allows reducing the volume by 40% and the mass by 25%. Such batteries have a longer useful life with up to 45,000 cycles. Solid electrolytes are not flammable, corrosive, or volatile, making them far safer and preventing any leakage risk.
