Top 7 China Solid-State Battery Companies & Startups 2025
China is aggressively pushing solid-state battery technology as the next frontier in energy storage, with major battery manufacturers and startups racing to achieve commercial-scale production by 2025-2027. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, solid-state designs replace the liquid electrolyte with a solid material, offering higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety. The Chinese government has listed solid-state batteries as a strategic priority under its 14th Five-Year Plan, allocating billions in R&D funding and providing tax incentives for pilot production lines.
TL;DR: China's solid-state battery industry is transitioning from lab prototypes to semi-industrial production in 2025, led by CATL, Ganfeng Lithium, and emerging startups like SES AI and Qingtao Energy. Key challenges remain in scaling sulfide-based electrolytes and reducing per-kWh manufacturing costs below $120.
Top Companies
CATL (300750.SZ)
400+ Wh/kgCATL unveiled its condensed-matter battery technology in 2025, achieving over 400 Wh/kg energy density in pilot production. The company has invested over RMB 20 billion in solid-state R&D and plans mass production for premium EV models by 2027.
Ganfeng Lithium (002460.SZ)
RMB 5.8B investedGanfeng Lithium's second-generation solid-state battery has achieved 350 Wh/kg with over 3,000 cycle life. The company operates a pilot line in Xinyu, Jiangxi, supplying samples to major Chinese automakers including BAIC and Changan.
SES AI (SES.NYSE)
100+ Ah cellsSES AI has developed Li-Metal hybrid cells with over 400 Wh/kg in its Shanghai Gigafactory. The company partners with GM, Hyundai, and several Chinese OEMs for automotive-grade qualification testing.
Qingtao Energy
20GWh plannedQingtao Energy is building China's largest solid-state battery production base in Nantong, Jiangxi, targeting 20GWh annual capacity by 2026. Its oxide-based solid electrolyte has passed automotive safety tests.
Beijing WeLion New Energy
360 Wh/kg semi-solidWeLion supplies semi-solid batteries to NIO for its 150kWh battery pack, delivering over 1,000 km range. The company is upgrading to fully solid-state cells targeting 2026 commercialization.
SVOLT Energy
1,200+ cyclesSVOLT has developed solid-state cells using dry electrode technology, achieving 360 Wh/kg with over 1,200 cycles. The company focuses on cost-effective oxide electrolytes for mass-market EV applications.
Ningbo Shanshan (600884.SH)
Solid electrolyte leaderShanshan is China's leading producer of solid electrolyte materials, supplying sulfide and oxide electrolytes to CATL, BYD, and other battery makers. The company holds over 200 patents in solid electrolyte technology.
Comparison Table
| Company | Energy Density (Wh/kg) | Cycle Life | Electrolyte Type | Target Mass Production |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CATL | 400+ | 1,000+ | Condensed matter | 2027 |
| Ganfeng Lithium | 350 | 3,000+ | Sulfide | 2026 |
| SES AI | 400+ | 500+ | Li-Metal hybrid | 2027 |
| Qingtao Energy | 320 | 2,000+ | Oxide | 2026 |
| WeLion | 360 | 1,500+ | Semi-solid | 2026 |
| SVOLT | 360 | 1,200+ | Oxide | 2027 |
| Ningbo Shanshan | N/A (material) | N/A | Sulfide/Oxide | Supplier |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will solid-state batteries be commercially available in China?
Chinese companies expect semi-solid batteries to reach mass production by 2025-2026, with fully solid-state batteries targeting 2027-2028. CATL and Ganfeng Lithium are leading the commercialization timeline.
What is the energy density advantage of solid-state batteries over lithium-ion?
Solid-state batteries can achieve 350-500 Wh/kg compared to 250-300 Wh/kg for conventional lithium-ion, representing a 40-100% improvement in energy density.
Are Chinese solid-state batteries safe?
Yes, solid-state batteries eliminate the flammable liquid electrolyte found in conventional lithium-ion cells, significantly reducing fire risk. Chinese manufacturers have passed stringent automotive safety certifications including nail penetration and overcharge tests.
How much does a Chinese solid-state battery cost per kWh?
Current costs range from $200-400/kWh at pilot scale. Industry targets are to reduce costs to below $120/kWh by 2028 through scale production and electrolyte material optimization.
Which Chinese EV brands use solid-state batteries?
NIO uses semi-solid batteries from WeLion in its 150kWh pack, while BAIC, Changan, and GAC have announced partnerships with CATL, Ganfeng, and Qingtao for future solid-state battery integration.