IM L6 receives approval, featuring semi-solid-state battery and 400 kW fast charging

IM Motors, a joint venture involving SAIC Motor Corporation, Zhangjiang High-Tech Park, and Alibaba Group, introduced the L6 electric sedan lineup in May (see specs), which includes the premium L6 Max Lightyear Edition. Priced at 345,900 yuan, the Lightyear Edition stands out due to its advanced battery technology. This model is equipped with a quasi-900V semi-solid-state battery, referred to as the “Lightyear” battery, that supports ultra-fast charging.

The Lightyear battery, developed by Suzhou Qingdao New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., is designed with Level 0 thermal spread prevention, a feature intended to avoid thermal runaway and enhance safety. This battery setup allows for an estimated range of up to 1,000 km (CLTC) in the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version. Additionally, the battery supports a peak charging rate of 400 kW, enabling the vehicle to add 400 km of range in approximately 12 minutes. Today, the L6 Max Lightyear Edition appeared on China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s (MIIT) official list of approved vehicles, clearing the way for market entry.

United Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd. and Huayu Automotive Electric Systems Co., Ltd. provide the dual-motor system on the L6 Max Lightyear Edition, with outputs of 190 kW and 350 kW. Suzhou Qingdao New Energy Technology, established in 2016 in Kunshan, Suzhou, has developed a large-scale production line for semi-solid-state batteries, marking a step forward in the industrialization of this technology in China. The company was founded by a team led by Professor Nan Cewen from Tsinghua University.

The regulatory approval for the L6 Max Lightyear Edition reinforces IM Motors’ focus on integrating high-speed charging and newer battery technologies. The vehicle’s listing in the MIIT’s approved product directory signifies that the model meets key regulatory standards, bringing it closer to market availability. This approval comes as IM Motors positions itself within a competitive EV sector, targeting increased battery safety and range efficiency with the semi-solid-state battery in the Lightyear Edition.