Company HASCO enters solid-state battery sector via purchase of stake in SAIC QingTao
In the rapidly evolving world of energy storage technology, China is leading the charge towards the next generation of batteries: solid-state batteries. These innovative batteries offer improvements in safety, energy density, cycle life, and charging speed.
Farasis Energy, a key player in the industry, plans to supply 60Ah prototype cells to strategic partners by the end of this year. Moreover, the company aims to complete a 0.2 GWh pilot line for all-solid-state batteries by the same deadline.
SAIC QingTao, a joint venture between SAIC Motor and QingTao Energy, is already making strides in semi-solid-state batteries. Their batteries are being deployed in mass-produced vehicles under SAIC Motor, including the MG4. HUAYU Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (HASCO) recently announced its intention to acquire a 49% stake in SAIC QingTao, signalling its formal entry into the solid-state battery sector.
HASCO's move comes as nearly all major battery producers in China are racing to secure a foothold in solid-state technology. SAIC QingTao, with SAIC Motor owning 49% and QingTao Energy holding 51%, has established production facilities in Wuhai, Chengdu, Yichun, Kunshan, and Tāizhōu.
BASF and Welion have also made significant strides in the development of semi-solid-state and solid-state batteries. They aim for commercial cathode material mass production within just one year, with Welion’s semi-solid-state battery already used in a Nio electric car model in 2023.
Meanwhile, Farasis Energy has progressed to pilot-scale production of sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries. Gotion High-tech has revealed that its all-solid-state "Jinshi" battery pack system has entered vehicle road testing after initial development.
Other automakers, such as BYD, Changan Automobile, SAIC Motor, GAC Group, Chery, and Dongfeng Motor, have unveiled roadmaps for solid-state battery deployment, with most targeting 2026-2027 as the pivotal window for mass production and vehicle integration.
SVOLT is another company making headway in this field. They plan to start trial production of its first-generation 140Ah semi-solid-state cells in Q4 2025 on a 2.3 GWh mass production line.
As China continues to push the boundaries of battery technology, the race towards solid-state batteries promises to revolutionise the automotive industry.
